Some alert texts below are approximate reconstructions from news coverage, not confirmed verbatim transcripts. Reconstructed texts are shown in italic with a dashed border. Verified verbatim texts have a solid border and are marked accordingly.
INITIAL ALERTSMS
Approximate reconstruction·201 chars
UT Safety Alert: A protest is underway on the main campus. Tents have been erected and law enforcement is on scene. Avoid the area near the Tower and South Mall. Follow instructions from UTPD officers.
This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.
Reconstructed from media accounts of UT Austin's communications during the encampment
This was the second major protest event in less than a week, following 57 arrests on April 24
UPDATESMS
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UT Safety Alert Update: Law enforcement is actively clearing the protest encampment on the main campus. UTPD, Austin Police, and Texas Department of Public Safety officers are on scene. Avoid the South Mall area. Pepper spray has been deployed.
This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.
Reconstructed from Daily Texan and Texas Tribune accounts of the police response
Law enforcement used pepper spray and stun grenades during the clearing operation
Protesters attempted to block police from departing, escalating the confrontation
ALL CLEARSMS
Approximate reconstruction·202 chars
UT Safety Alert Update: The protest encampment on campus has been cleared by law enforcement. Normal campus operations are resuming. If you need support, contact the Counseling and Mental Health Center.
This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.
Reconstructed from university statements and media reports of the aftermath
79 arrests were made, with 78 criminal trespassing charges filed
On April 29, protesters violated numerous Institutional Rules and policies — most notably, setting up encampments on the South Lawn. UT Austin requested backup assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to protect the safety of the campus community and enforce Institutional Rules, such as the rule that prohibits encampments. Because of the encampments and other violations of the University's Institutional Rules related to protests, protestors were told repeatedly to disperse. When they refused to disperse, some arrests were made for trespassing. Others were arrested for disorderly conduct. On Saturday the University received extensive online threats from a group organizing today's protest. These threats have been reported to local, state and federal law-enforcement. Protests are allowed at the University of Texas. Since October and prior to April 24, no fewer than 13 pro-Palestinian free speech events were held on the UT campus, and four more demonstrations have been held since Thursday, largely without incident.
Verbatim statement published on the official UT Austin News website on April 29, 2024 — issued in lieu of a comprehensive UT Safety Alert push
The reference to 'extensive online threats' was the institutional justification UT cited for requesting Texas DPS backup, including troopers in riot gear and mounted units
Distinguishing between trespassing and disorderly conduct charges echoes the legal framing under Texas Penal Code §30.05 and §42.01
Highlights UT's framing: protests are allowed but encampments are categorically barred under Institutional Rules
Context
Background
The UT Austin protest encampment on April 29, 2024 was the second major confrontation between protesters and law enforcement in less than a week. On April 24, the Palestinian Solidarity Committee organized a walkout that led to 57 arrests, all of which were later dismissed. When protesters returned on April 29 to set up tents, Austin Police Department and Texas DPS officers arrived and surrounded the encampment. The Daily Texan documented the use of pepper spray and stun grenades as law enforcement moved to dismantle the camp. Governor Greg Abbott publicly supported the crackdowns. Of the 79 people arrested on April 29, 45 had no ties to the university. The UT Austin protests were among the most forceful police responses to the Spring 2024 campus protest wave.
Outcome
79 people were arrested on April 29, most on criminal trespassing charges. Of those arrested, 45 had no ties to the university. All charges from the earlier April 24 protest (57 arrests) were dismissed.