Nine arrested after protest at Kinnick Stadium

IOWA CITY — Nine people have been charged with trespassing after a protest in front of Kinnick Stadium on Saturday ended in arrests.

The protesters chained themselves to the entrance doors of the stadium and used metal u-bolts to lock the exit doors, preventing university staff from entering a school function being held at the stadium, according to criminal complaints.

All nine people arrested were charged with trespassing, interference with official acts and disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors. Complaints state the protesters caused $200 to $300 worth of damage to the doors, and some had to be removed from the doors with bolt cutters.

The complaints do not say what the protest was about or what event was being blocked, but an Instagram post from the Iowa City Students for Justice in Palestine says the event was a holiday party hosted by University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson, and the protesters were advocating for a free Palestine.

The Students for Justice in Palestine Instagram page shared several videos that protesters took of University of Iowa Police and Iowa City Police arresting protesters at Kinnick Stadium, but clarified in a statement that the Students for Justice in Palestine did not organize the protest.

“We shared these videos because we stand firmly against all forms of police brutality, whether perpetuated by the (Israel Defense Forces) against Palestinians or the ICPD and UIPD against advocates for a free Palestine,” the statement reads.

The following nine people were arrested at the protest:

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