All classes and non-mandatory operations have been suspended for the rest of the day, according to an Alert Carolina message. The University has moved to Condition 2 until 11:59 p.m.
This message follows a tense standoff between pro-Palestinian protesters, counter-protesters, UNC Police and UNC administration — including interim Chancellor Lee Roberts.
Tuesday afternoon, demonstrators pushed down metal barricades that had been placed there earlier in the day by UNC Police when demonstrators were evicted from their tent encampment on Polk Place.
Around 2 p.m., protesters took down the American flag flying from the flag pole and raised a Palestinian flag.
More than a dozen other students stood on the steps of South Building holding Israeli and American flags in counter to the other demonstrators.
UNC Police and members of UNC administration entered the Quad by the Campus Y and circled the flag pole. Officers worked to again raise the American flag at Polk Place, which they did by 3 p.m.
Protesters encircled the police officers and Roberts, chanting and yelling. Some threw water on the interim chancellor and officers as they tried to rehang the flag. Counter-protesters also gathered around police, shouting "USA!" Currently, there is no flag on the pole.
Some protesters attempted to push past the police. Officers sprayed pepper spray several times at protesters and members of the media. More than 1,000 students, faculty and community members watched from all parts of the Quad.
This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.
