University of Chicago protest: Policy Institute building, across from the Jewish Student Center, surrounded by pro-Palestinian demonstrators

CHICAGO (WLS) — Pro-Palestinian demonstrators took control of the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics building on Friday afternoon.

University of Chicago Police and Chicago Police Department officers were also at the scene.

The protest was, for the most part, peaceful, and comes on a busy weekend for UCLA graduates. The demonstrators say they plan to stay here all night.

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The demonstrators raised large banners bearing demands including “Free Palestine,” “Abolition of the University,” and “Decolonization of Chicago 2 Palestine.” The demonstrators climbed into a covered courtyard waving Palestinian flags and at one point set up a tent.

The demonstrators said in a press release that they consisted of UCLA students, alumni, and community members. The university said in a statement, “The demonstrators attempted to block the entrance, caused damage to university property, and ignored (University Police) directions to open the road… UCPD officers were able to enter the building and the demonstrators exited inside the building.”

Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp was in her office in the building, preparing for a previously scheduled, unrelated live interview with ABC News Live when she entered the group during this preparation. Not damaged.

At one point, a makeshift barricade of chairs was set up at the back of the building, with a row of students standing there, arms crossed. A tent was also set up on the ground.

U Chicago's student newspaper, The Chicago Maroon, reported that it began with a march and march on campus that ended with some protesters entering the IOP building, locking doors, and even spraying security cameras.

The protest also attracted counter-demonstrators. A nearby building blared the national anthem, and as a takeover occurred across the street from a Jewish student center, some came out carrying Israeli flags.

“He brings a lot of fear and for no reason, and I feel like he's not going to accomplish what they think he's going to accomplish at this point,” Hyde Park resident Ryan McDowell said.

Chicago police cleared the quartet's camp a week and a half ago. The camp had been there for several days at that time. Organizers said their campaign to get the school to divest from companies that benefit Israel will continue, but a faculty advisor for that group told us those organizers are not involved in that action.

“It surprised me when it happened. I wasn't surprised that it happened. A lot of people are really angry at the university,” said Callie Medhoff, a professor at the University of Chicago and a member of the Palestine Justice College.

Protest organizers declined our request for an on-camera interview, but said in a press release that they planned to set up another camp in the square. This has not happened yet, and we witnessed a noticeable security presence there.