Chaos erupts as riot police clash with anti-Israel protesters at US university

Riot police in Richmond, Virginia, have clashed with anti-Israel protesters camped at Virginia Commonwealth University late on Monday night, local time. The protest at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) began peacefully earlier in the day, with signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. VCU Police in riot gear formed a line around 8:30 p.m., declaring the protest violent and an unlawful assembly, according to 8News. Officers from various agencies, including Virginia State Police and Richmond Police Department, were involved in dismantling the protest encampment, arresting multiple individuals, and using chemical agents. Protesters were forced to the ground, bound with zip ties, and pepper spray and tear gas were deployed.