Police in riot gear deployed to MacEwan after pro-Palestinian protest turns confrontational
A student detained during a demonstration calling for divestment from Israeli companies was banned from campus for seven days after security escalated the situation.
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Edmonton Police Service officers in riot gear were deployed to MacEwan University on Thursday afternoon following a pro-Palestinian demonstration that escalated when campus security detained a student.
The protest began shortly after 4 p.m. at the John L. Haar Library in Building 6, where demonstrators called on university leadership to divest from and boycott companies with ties to Israel. A student was warned against using a megaphone, and as she was leaving, security detained her. The move prompted protesters to gather at a nearby security office to demand her release.
Riot-equipped Edmonton Police Service officers arrived to assist with crowd dispersal. Officers without riot gear spoke with both security and protesters. The detained student was released but told she was banned from campus for seven days. Police confirmed no arrests were made and no injuries reported, though the investigation is ongoing.
"It just completely escalated from there," said Nour Salhi, a MacEwan student and organizer of the demonstration. Video verified by Postmedia showed security standing off with protesters while grabbing a student and pushing others away.
MacEwan University spokesperson John Archer confirmed the protest and police response, stating "all members of the university community have the right to learn, live and work in an environment free from disruption and harassment." Similar protests have taken place at universities across Canada and the U.S.
The facts
When did the protest at MacEwan take place?
The pro-Palestinian demonstration occurred on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the John L. Haar Library in Building 6, beginning shortly after 4 p.m.
What was the student banned for, and for how long?
A MacEwan student was banned from campus for seven days after security detained her during the protest when she was warned against using a megaphone.
Why did police in riot gear arrive at MacEwan?
Riot-equipped Edmonton Police Service officers were deployed to assist with crowd dispersal after demonstrators gathered at a security office demanding the release of the detained student.
