University police make several arrests after protestors break rules, UF ‘not a daycare’

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Nine pro-Palestinian protesters face criminal charges after they were arrested on Monday by University of Florida police.

“This is not complicated: The University of Florida is not a daycare, and we do not treat protesters like children — they knew the rules, they broke the rules, and they’ll face the consequences,” said University of Florida spokesman Steve Orlando in regard to the arrests.

The charges range from failure to obey a lawful command and resisting violence to trespass after warning. One person was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer after spitting on an officer, according to officials with UF.

Gov. Ron DeSantis reacted to the news during a press conference with strong word about university decorum amid the pro-Hamas demonstrations taking place nationwide.

“Our universities have been very strong […] You don’t have the right to commandeer territory [or] harass students,” he said.

“For many days, we have patiently told protesters — many of whom are outside agitators — that they were able to exercise their right to free speech and free assembly. And we also told them that clearly prohibited activities would result in a trespassing order from UPD (barring them from all university properties for three years) and an interim suspension from the university,” Orlando said.

Assisting in the arrests were officers with the Florida Highway Patrol. Suspects were transported to the Alachua County Sheriff’s jail.

Orlando said the arrests come after the suspects were warned.

“For days UPD patiently and consistently reiterated the rules,” Orlando said. “Today, individuals who refused to comply were arrested after UPD gave multiple warnings and multiple opportunities to comply.”

Among those arrested were:

23-year-old Keely Nicole Gliwa for failure to obey a police officer, resisting an officer without violence and wearing a hood or mask on public property.

20-year-old Roseanna Yashida Bisram on charges of failure to obey a police officer, resisting an officer without violence, wearing a hood or mask on public property.

23-year-old Allison Rooney on charges of failure to obey a police officer, resisting an officer without violence, wearing a hood or mask on public property.

20-year-old Tess Jaden Segal charged with failure to obey a police officer, wearing a hood or mask on public property.

24-year-old Mary Caitlyn Boerboom charged with failure to obey a police officer, resisting an officer without violence, wearing a hood or mask on public property.

20-year-old Augustino Mathias Pulliam charged with failure to obey a police officer, resisting an officer without violence.

26-year-old Parker Stanley Hovis charged with trespassing (failure to leave property upon request of owner).

21-year-old Charly Keanu Pringle charged with trespassing (failure to leave property upon request of owner), resisting an officer without violence.

20-year-old Allan Frasheri charged with battery on officer (spitting).

Suspects will appear before a judge Tuesday for their first court appearance.