The American University in Washington DC was on lockdown due to a ‘dangerous subject’ on campus, police confirmed on Saturday. According to reports, the alleged suspect was described as a “non-student, wearing a white shirt, black jacket, black beanie, and armed.” However, there is no official confirmation on this matter thus far.
The tension on American campuses has been escalating following recent events, including Hamas’ attack on October 7th, which resulted in a significant number of casualties in Israel and Palestine. This has led to protests, sit-ins, hunger strikes, and encampments against the ongoing conflict. Students are demanding that their schools divest from financial investments in Israel, arguing that such investments make them complicit in the crisis in Gaza.
The suspected armed individual on the American University campus has been apprehended by law enforcement, bringing some relief to the situation. However, the incident has highlighted the growing unrest and activism on college campuses across the country.
Pro-Palestinian organizations have been advocating for universities to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign as a way to pressure Israel. While no American university has officially committed to the BDS framework, some have already cut financial ties in the past.
The lockdown at the American University serves as a reminder of the complex and sensitive issues facing campuses today, as students and faculty grapple with how to address and respond to global conflicts and human rights issues.