Minor injuries reported after panic scatters crowd gathered at Turlington Plaza to support Israel

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Updated at 11:22 p.m. with statement from UF President Ben Sasse

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Minor injuries were reported after a group gathered in Turlington Plaza this evening suddenly panicked and scattered.

According to a release from the University of Florida Police Department (UFPD), an individual attending a candlelight vigil in support of Israel fainted, which led others to ask for someone to call 911. The call was misunderstood by the crowd, which dispersed in a panic.

UFPD officers immediately secured the scene and escorted the crowd away from the area.

Following a sweep of the area, police officers set up areas on the north and south ends of the Plaza where students could retrieve any belongings they left behind. Anyone who was unable to retrieve their items tonight may do so tomorrow morning at the UF Public Safety building (1555 Museum Road).

At least five people were injured and were treated at the scene by Gainesville Fire Rescue and the Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit, who were pre-staged at the event.

Rabbi Berl Goldman of Chabad UF issued a statement saying that the “campus Jewish community gathered in the hundreds to stand with Israel at a unity gathering in Turlington Plaza. It was a moving and beautiful evening. Unfortunately, during the program, a noise led a panic to ensue. While we do not definitively know the cause, we feel certain this was rooted in misunderstanding.”

UF President Ben Sasse, who spoke at the event before the confusion, said, “Tonight’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas’ terrorism and stand by our Jewish Gators. I’m grateful for each and every Gator who came to show their support. I’m grateful for Rabbi Jonah and Rabbi Berl for their leadership.”

UFPD Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick released the following statement: “We have no reason to believe that there was malicious intent behind this incident. It was an accident that was misinterpreted by the crowd that led to panic.”