Oversight Republicans to question D.C. officials about response to GWU camps

Republicans on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee are calling on D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith to testify at a hearing next week in response to pro-Palestinian encampments at George Washington University.

The hearing, first reported by The GW Hatchet, is scheduled for next Wednesday.

Several Republicans from the committee will meet with university administrators and tour the campus that day. The lawmakers include Chairman James Comer of Kentucky and Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Eric Burlison of Missouri, and Anna Paulina Luna and Byron Donalds, both of Florida.

“MPD’s refusal to assist GWU in their efforts to protect the Jewish student body is disturbing and unacceptable,” Mr. Comer said in a statement.

He added that the committee is “deeply concerned” that the police rejected the university’s request for help in removing the “radical, antisemitic and unlawful protestors” on the campus.

On Tuesday, Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina and Mr. Comer sent a letter to Ms. Bowser and Ms. Smith questioning why the MPD refuses to clear out the encampments.

This comes as the camps reach their seventh day. The students joined similar movements on college campuses across the country to protest the Israel-Hamas war.

In statements Tuesday, the police department and mayor’s office defended their actions.

An MPD spokesperson said the department “regularly supports peaceful First Amendment activities through the District of Columbia. MPD does not comment on operational tactics and procedures.”

“The George Washington University Police Department has the lead in the response to First Amendment demonstrations occurring on GWU grounds. Since Thursday, MPD has stood in support of its response,” the spokesperson added. “Demonstrations are also occurring on public space adjacent to the university. MPD will continue to monitor this First Amendment activity, both on and off GWU property. This activity has remained peaceful.”

Ms. Bowser said previously that the District “by design [is] a place where people come to address the government and their grievances with the government.”

She added, “Over the years, we have developed strategies and expertise in policing First Amendment activities. We support peaceful protests, and I rely on the Metropolitan Police Department and their experience and expertise to decide what types of interventions are necessary. Of course, we will not tolerate violence of any kind; we will monitor and ensure access to streets, parks, and safe and sanitary conditions; and we will continue to be supportive of universities or other private entities who need help.”