PHOTOS: Protesters take to Portland streets as PSU library occupation ends

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Portland State University library occupation may be over, but the protest surrounding the campus – and the resulting police action – remains ongoing.

Protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and occupying Millar Library were spotted running from the building as police wearing riot gear entered the facility around 9 a.m. — days after the occupation started.

KOIN 6 News captured video of Portland police making their way into the building, armed with 40mm “less-lethal” launchers, before clearing the library by 10:30 am. Protesters then took to the street and eventually congregated around the South Park Blocks.

So far, at least 12 protesters have been arrested – including four students and eight non-students. Authorities have asked the public to not interfere.

The agency previously said they did not plan to use tear gas on the protesters inside the building. However, chemical munitions appeared to be administered in the open air once the protest made its way outside.

PSU announced Thursday morning that the campus will close for a third day due to the ongoing situation.

As the day progresses, the area from Southwest Broadway to Southwest 11th Street and between Southwest College Street and Southwest Mill Street the roads are closed off. Southwest Broadway is still open to pedestrian and vehicular traffic.