CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Several of the 27 people who were arrested when law enforcement broke up the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Virginia on May 4, 2024, were in court on Wednesday.
One of them, Kristen Finn, was accused of assaulting a law enforcement officer, but the charge was dropped after prosecutors talked with the arresting officers.
The rest were charged with trespassing. Of those, five cases were also dropped. Four defendants asked that their cases be continued until July.
The others entered into an agreement under which they pay the $91 court fees and remain on good behavior until August 15, at which time their charges will be dropped.
The protest was boisterous at times but otherwise peaceful until the protesters were directed to take down their tents and refused, at which time police were called in. Many have criticized the decision to bring in officers in riot gear, including many faculty.
