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UPennAlert
Date of Alert:
May 17, 2024 8:57 pm

Large Disruptive Crowd | 34th and Walnut Streets

Nineteen individuals, including 6 Penn students, were taken into police custody last night, following an attempt to occupy a Penn building. Twelve were issued citations for failure to disperse and failure to follow police commands and later released. Seven remain in custody awaiting felony charges, including one for assaulting a police officer.

Upon clearing the building, Penn Police recovered lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums. The exit doors had been secured with zip-ties, barbed wire, and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, and the windows were covered over with newspaper and cardboard. Bike racks and metal chairs were also found blocking outside entrances. Penn remains focused on maintaining the safety and security of our campus.

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UPDATE: 11:08 p.m. – All clear in the area of 200 block of S. 34th Street. The large crowd has dispersed. You may resume usual activity. Police and security remain in the area.

UPDATE: 10:00 p.m. – Large disorderly crowd remains in the 200 block of S. 34th Street. Police are on scene. Use caution and avoid the immediate area.

Earlier this evening, a group of individuals entered Fisher-Bennett Hall on Penn’s campus and attempted to occupy it. Penn Police, with support from Philadelphia Police, escorted them out and secured the building, taking several individuals into custody. The situation remains active.

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UPennAlert: Large disruptive crowd in the area of 34th and Walnut Street. Increased police activity in the area. Police on scene, use caution, avoid the immediate area.

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Know that it is never the fault of the person impacted (victim/survivor) by crime. Please call 215-573-3333 in any emergency.

The Division of Public Safety has developed a few helpful risk reduction strategies outlined below.

  • Stay out of immediate area.
  • Stay alert and reduce distractions; using cellphones, ear buds, etc. may limit your awareness.
  • Orient yourself to your surroundings. (Identify your location, nearby exits, etc.)
  • Utilize 24/7/365 Walking Escort services (215-898-WALK/9255).
  • Only carry necessary documents.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
This alert is no longer active.