A crowd rush, which was sparked due to a misunderstanding, interrupted a pro-Israel prayer event at the University of Florida (UF) on Monday night, according to the UF Police Department.
The candlelight vigil supporting the Jewish community in the Turlington Plaza on campus abruptly changed tone after a 911 call led to mass panic, the University’s police department reported.
At least 20 people were hurt Monday night at the University of Florida after crowds attending a candlelight vigil in support of Israel panicked and began to run away, according to a spokesperson for the University of Florida.https://t.co/8L7L3IXm8H
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An attendee who fainted before 9 p.m. prompted others to ask to call 911, police said. The crowd reportedly “misunderstood” the call, causing chaotic scattering.
Five people suffered minor injuries, per police. Police secured the scene and ushered the crowd away. (RELATED: 12 Killed, Hundreds Injured During Soccer Stampede In El Salvador, Police Say)
“We have no reason to believe that there was malicious intent behind this incident,” Chief Linda Stump-Kurnick said. “It was an accident that was misinterpreted by the crowd that led to panic.”
Police chaperoned some members of the crowd who left their possessions to retrieve them. Items remaining at the scene were available for pickup at the UF Public Safety building on Tuesday morning, per police.
“Tonight’s vigil was an opportunity for our community to condemn Hamas’ terrorism and stand by our Jewish Gators,” UF President Ben Sasse said, according to News 4 Jax. “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.”