Charges dropped against most UT Austin protesters

A judge dismissed charges after Travis County prosecutors found ‘deficiencies’ in charging documents.



A demonstrator is restrained by police at a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Texas, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Austin. (Ricardo B. Brazziell/Austin American-Statesman via AP)(Ricardo B. Brazziell / ASSOCIATED PRESS)

By Philip Jankowski
3:01 PM on Apr 25, 2024 CDT

AUSTIN – Charges have been dropped against most protesters arrested Wednesday while rallying against the war in Gaza on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin.

Charges were dropped against 46 individuals after defense attorneys raised concerns about “deficiencies” in charging documents known as arrest affidavits, Travis County Attorney Delia Garza said Thursday in a text message.

“We agreed,” and a judge ordered their release, Garza said.

A spokeswoman for Garza said the office will continue to review any cases brought against protesters and “determine whether prosecution is factually and legally appropriate.”

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