Chaos erupted on DePaul University’s Lincoln Park campus on Thursday as Chicago police cleared an illegal encampment made by pro-Hamas demonstrators.

As per Fox News, the confrontation began when the anti-Israel DePaul Divestment Student Coalition set up an illegal encampment near Fullerton and Seminary avenues on April 30th. Chicago Police dressed in riot gear were finally called in on Thursday to clear out the encampment. The situation quickly escalated as hundreds of violent protesters gathered outside the student center, accusing DePaul President Robert Manuel of suppressing their right to protest.

In statements issued throughout the day, President Manuel defended the university’s decision, citing “credible threats of violence” that had emerged at the encampment site. This included reports of fireworks being thrown into the area and threats from Hams sympathizers. Manuel also revealed a death threat had been made against a student and a “bounty” placed to identify certain encampment members perceived as supporting Israel.

“It is clear the encampment is now attracting outside threats to both those inside of it, and those around it,” Manuel stated, adding that the quad and green spaces would be closed for repairs estimated at $180,000. He further warned any attempt to breach fencing around those areas would result in arrest and suspension.

As the night progressed, protesters took their demonstration to the streets, marching for approximately an hour near the Lincoln Park campus. No arrests had been made related to the encampment’s dispersal; however, two individuals were taken into custody for blocking a nearby street earlier in the morning, according to the report.