Pro-Palestine protesters camping out at Adelaide University face second firework attack

Police have asked anyone with information about the latest firecracker attack on the pro-Palestine demonstrations to come forward.

Students based at the Adelaide University Gaza solidarity encampment have been attacked with homemade firecrackers for the second time in just three days.

The pro-Palestinian supporters have spent over a week in tents on the campus’ Maths Lawn to protest the university’s connection to defence industry firms; however their stay has now been rocked by fireworks twice in the past three days.

The organiser of Students for Palestine El Hall told The Advertiser the second attack occurred on Wednesday night, about 10.20pm as the campers were getting ready for bed.

Adelaide Uni Gaza solidarity encampment attacked again last night. Remind me again who's making students unsafe? https://t.co/MBZIk1aZum

— James Olley (@OlleyJam) May 8, 2024

El Hall at the Adelaide Uni Gaza Solidarity Encampment at the Maths Lawns. Picture: Mark Brake

“People were milling around, just chatting with one another or getting ready for bed,” Hall said.

“The we heard a bit of a pop and then a loud bang and they (the fireworks) kind of went of in a circle around the camp.

“And then myself, I saw the first one go off and I went to run for cover and I didn’t realise that there were more going off and I ended up nearly being hit by one.”

Hall said fortunately no one was injured during the attack.

However, Hall said it was a “particularly shocking” attack because some of their protesters are confined to their wheelchairs which puts them at an obvious disadvantage during an attack.

“I just think this is a tiny minority of people acting out of cowardice which is why they are attacking us like this,” Hall said.

SA Police has come forward to say they are “aware of the incident that occurred” and they “are investigating”.

Police asked anyone with information related to the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.

Signs at the at the Maths Lawns. Picture: Mark Brake

Despite these attacks, Hall said they are planning on continuing their protest camp-out.

“I’m personally very inspired by students in Columbia and the UCLA and students across the world with their slogan ‘We Shall Not Be Moved’,” they said.

“We’re planning on continuing the camp-out for an indefinite amount of time.”

This comes after The Advertiser reported on the first attack on Monday night which saw two fireworks were set off. One among the tents and another thrown from a nearby building’s roof.

There are about 27 tents erected on the Maths Lawn with over 30 campers sleeping on the campus.

Originally published as Pro-Palestine protesters camping out at Adelaide University face second firework attack