Protesters storm the University of Minnesota administration building, officials say

Students plan to rally at the U of M over the school's ties to Israel

02:27

MINNEAPOLIS — University of Minnesota officials issued an emergency alert Monday afternoon, saying protesters had stormed Morrill Hall in Minneapolis.

The building is located in Northup Mall on the East Bank campus and houses the university's administrative headquarters.

The protest is organized by the group UMN Students for a Democratic Societywhich calls on the university to divest from companies that support Israel – which The Board of Regents rejected it in August after weeks of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus.

Officials say the protesters are “causing property damage and restricting entry and exit from the building” and are advising people inside to “safely exit” the premises immediately if possible.

They are also asking people to “avoid the area until further notice.”