Police clash with University of Calgary pro-Palestinian protesters left after encampment removal

Using shields, batons and flashbang explosives, Calgary police officers forcibly removed a group of protesters Thursday night from an encampment set up on the University of Calgary campus.

Most of the large group of pro-Palestinian protesters at the tent site agreed to pack up and leave shortly before police began to move against those who remained.

As the packing was underway, a Calgary Police Service (CPS) member assured one of the protest leaders that no one would be arrested if they left. 

But not all of the people at the encampment agreed. A smaller group of protesters remained on scene, singing "we shall not be moved."

At roughly 11:10 p.m. MT, shortly after giving a five-minute warning, police used their shields and bicycles, keeping up a rhythmic push, to drive the few dozen remaining protesters out of the encampment area.

At several moments, protesters attempted to resist the police action. CPS members responded by throwing flashbangs, which produced both loud noises and smoke. Several protesters were heard coughing as many fled the area.

Ten minutes after beginning the clearance, police had completely emptied the area.

In a statement released shortly after midnight, CPS said the use of the flashbangs was triggered by the actions of the protesters.

"Projectiles and assaultive behaviour by the remaining protestors triggered the use of non-lethal munitions by officers," the statement said. 

"No injuries have been reported. The number of arrests, tickets and charges will be made publicly available tomorrow."

Earlier in the night, after some initial pushback, many of the protesters began breaking down and packing up their tents, which had been pitched outside MacEwan Hall — the home of the university's student centre.

They were also told they could return to the university on Friday, provided they don't bring any "encampments, barricades or obstructions."

In a post to the social platform X, CPS said they were notified at 6:30 p.m. MT on Thursday by campus security that protesters had set up tents on the south lawn of MacEwan Hall.

The post said the protesters were asked to leave and, when they refused, were informed they were trespassing. The protesters still refused to leave, CPS said, and police were then called in for assistance.