SEATTLE, Wash. — The University of Washington reported more than $1 million in damage to its Interdisciplinary Engineering Building following a violent pro-Palestinian protest that led to 31 arrests and the temporary closure of the nearly brand-new facility, KOMO reported.
The May 5 confrontation began when protesters affiliated with the student group SUPER UW occupied the building, barricading entrances with furniture and e-scooters, and blocking nearby streets, according to the report. Protesters “renamed” the building after Shaban al-Dalou, a teenage engineering student killed during an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. They demanded that UW sever all ties with Boeing, return all donations and prevent Boeing-affiliated individuals from influencing university curricula.
By 10:30 p.m., after protesters allegedly began burning trash and forcibly entered the facility, law enforcement in tactical gear moved in to end the occupation. According to UW, the protest posed “immediate threats to safety” and was resolved within hours with more than 30 arrests and no reported injuries.
On Tuesday, KOMO News toured the damaged building, which just opened in March and was partially funded by $50 million from the state legislature and $10 million from Boeing. Doors had been ripped off their hinges, others glued shut and expensive manufacturing equipment was broken or defaced. A Boeing mural inside was also vandalized. The university said the damage to CNC machine tools was “extensive.” Classes normally held in the building have been relocated, and the facility may remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
In a statement, UW President Ana Mari Cauce strongly condemned the incident, calling it a “violent and illegal building occupation.”
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed that 31 individuals were booked into jail. It remains unclear how many are UW students. UW stated that any student found responsible for participating in the destruction could face immediate suspension.
UW Police were supported by the Seattle Police Department during the response and continue to monitor the area. The university has pledged to enhance campus safety and will submit a report on the incident.
