2 men charged in clashes with Pitt police during pro-Palestinian protest

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Jun. 21—University of Pittsburgh police have charged two men with June 3 violations stemming from a pro-Palestinian protest at the university campus in Oakland.

Police said in a criminal complaint that Muhammad Ali, 21, of Pittsburgh joined with others in attacking a security barrier. According to the complaint, he allegedly struggled with one officer, grabbing the officer's baton, and was one of two people who attempted to rip a barrier from the hands of a police lieutenant, who suffered injuries to her left hand and legs.

The lieutenant said she recognized Ali from involvement in previous protest events. Police said they were able to identify him from images on officers' body-worn cameras and his rental of a bicycle he was riding.

Cory Roma, 24, of Pittsburgh took part in knocking over and disassembling a security barrier and joined with others in pushing barriers into police officers and forcing them to retreat for their safety, according to a separate complaint.

Police said they were able to identify Roma based on a photo and information in social media posts, including one embedded in TribLive online coverage of the protest.

During the protest, which began June 2, participants camped on the grounds of the university's Cathedral of Learning.

Ali is charged with aggravated assault, rioting, disorderly conduct and obstructing the administration of law.

Roma is charged with rioting, disorderly conduct, obstructing the administration of law and defiant trespass.

Arrest warrants have been issued for the two men.

Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.