Virginia
Virginia Tech pro-Palestine protesters speak after arrest
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Pro-Palestine protesters held a press conference at Virginia Tech after the University’s response to this past weekend’s protests and arrests.
“On that day at 5:30, [they] told us that the reason we were allowed to stay was in order for our voices to be heard, all the while, they came for the expressive reason of suppressing us and telling us to leave,” said Virginia Tech student Emon Green.
On Sunday, 82 protesters were arrested for protesting on campus grounds. That list includes 52 students and 5 professors.
Green believes the environment was safe and protestors were peaceful.
“The Vice President of Student Affairs came down to speak with us, but not for the open conversation,” said one Virginia Tech student. “We believe she was there for a while we explained our demands and why we had created the encampment. She replies by saying I am not here to discuss why you are here, but only to tell you that you have to leave.”
She recalls Sunday events describing the arrest as traumatic.
“Many arrestees reported numbness and loss of feeling in their hands. Due to the zip ties being overly tight to the point of cutting circulation,” she said.
VT Student Faatina Hameed added they are committed to their original demands; To Disclose, Divest, and Defend.
“On October 11, President Sands released a statement condemning the events of October 7 and the loss of civilian life in Israel, burst Hall was lit up in the color of the Israeli flag,” Hameed announced. “Our most immediate and critical ask was for Sands and the administration to release a statement equally recognizing the immense loss of life in Gaza as well as a result of the Israeli regime’s attacks.”
Some protesters say they were charged with trespassing and face student conduct charges.
One Virginia Tech professor requests the university drop all charges against the protesters.
“We additionally demand that they reinstate and that they protect students and faculty is a constitutional right to assembly, free speech and protest moving forward,” said Virginia Tech professor Desirée Poets.
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A skydiver crashed into the Lane Stadium scoreboard before Virginia Tech’s spring football game Saturday.
Virginia Tech officials said on X that the skydiver “was safely secured and is currently stable” following rescue efforts. The incident caused a delay in the start of the spring game.
“Thankful for game days with Hokie Nation and for the Blacksburg and Virginia Tech first responders whose quick actions safely returned today’s parachuter to the ground without injury,” the university said.
The name of the skydiver wasn’t released.
“Our primary focus remains on their well-being,” Virginia Tech officials said in a statement. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders, event staff, and medical personnel for their swift, coordinated and professional response.”
Video footage showed the skydiver’s parachute landing between the “C” and the “H” on the Virginia Tech lettering on top of the scoreboard before first responders rescued him.
CBS News has reached out to the Blacksburg Fire Department for details on the incident.
A much cleaner performance carried Clemson baseball on Friday, as it answered the previous night’s loss with a 5-1 win over No. 9 Virginia.
Michael Sharman set the tone from the start. He kept Virginia off balance all night, working eight innings while giving up just a single run. There weren’t many free passes, and he consistently pitched ahead, which allowed him to stay in control deep into the game. Hayden Simmerson wrapped things up in the ninth without any trouble.
At the plate, Nate Savoie was the difference. He delivered two home runs, including a go-ahead shot later in the game that put Clemson in front for good. His first long ball gave the Tigers an early edge, and he finished with three RBIs on the night.
Virginia managed to pull even midway through, but Clemson quickly responded. The offense strung together quality at-bats, with Bryce Clavon driving in a run and Luke Gaffney continuing his strong weekend with multiple hits. The Tigers created more separation late, adding another run after working a bases-loaded situation.
Clemson moves to 25-15 overall and 6-11 in conference play with the win. The series now comes down to Saturday’s matchup in Charlottesville.
Contact us @Clemson_Wire on X, and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Clemson Tigers news and notes, plus opinions.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A car crashed into the patio at Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Oceanfront on Friday night.
Virginia Beach medics arrived at the scene around 7:54 p.m. at Murphy’s Irish Pub and found several victims, according to police. All were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from non-life-threatening to very severe.
Medics are still on the scene, according to News 3’s team onsite.
This is an active scene and an ongoing investigation; News 3’s team will continue providing updates.
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