TAMPA, Fla. — UPDATE: USF police said early Wednesday there was no threat after an investigation into a bomb threat late Tuesday night at Cooper Hall on the USF campus.

Meanwhile, police moved in Tuesday evening on pro-Palestinian protesters on the University of South Florida campus with what appeared to be tear gas, arresting 10 protesters, one of which had a handgun in his jeans, according to University officials. 

All 10 people bonded out of jail overnight.

Protesters were seen scattering around the campus as police moved their line-up to take over the area where the protesters had been stationed.

Law enforcement had ordered protests to break up at about 5 p.m., and then began moving in a few minutes later.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office was asked to aid USF police with the arrests.

"Violent or unsanctioned protests on University Campuses or anywhere in Hillsborough County Florida will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This is Florida, a law and order state. Every student, regardless of color, creed or religion, should be able to feel safe and learn in a secure environment. Every student should be able to freely move about campus without fear of harassment or intimidation."

Spectrum Bay News 9 caught video of several people being taken into custody by police.

At 5:37 p.m., officers could be seen taking off their gas masks and other equipment as the situation appeared to be settling.

Tarps, bottles and other items were being removed by people at the scene as officers watched on.

In a Tuesday evening statement, the school said, in part:

"As the day progressed, police observed participants in person and through social media expressing their intent to use some of the items they brought on campus as weapons and to resist university staff members and law enforcement officers. As a result, USF police determined that the protest was no longer peaceful, and participants must leave the area. 

"At that point officers made multiple attempts to inform participants that the protest was ending, and they needed to disperse. Several times protesters were given verbal instructions by police that the assembly was now considered unlawful and warnings that failure to comply would result in further actions, including arrest.  When participants refused to comply with the direction, university police with supporting law enforcement agencies dispersed the event."

Protests at USF and Across the State and Country

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been taking place across the state and nation in recent days. Nine people were arrested Monday at a protest at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

At USF, the big sticking point involved putting up tents. On Tuesday, one tent was erected, but was shielded from view as demonstrators stood all around it as law enforcement and university officials were yards away monitoring.

The scene included chanting, signs and calls to action at a time when students are usually on edge because of final exams and graduation.

Will Mleczko, a sophomore economics student, was at Monday’s protest that saw three people taken into custody, and was back Tuesday. He said he was willing to face any consequences.

“Yeah, I’m willing to be arrested,” he said. “(Monday) the cops were specifically pointing at me because I was one of the students putting up a tent.” Tents are not allowed without approval, and USF says no student group requested approval this week to use them.

Law enforcement was visibly present, and demonstrators claimed that cameras were monitoring their actions.

“Currently, it’s either the school, it looks like the school is setting up cameras and all of the trees with solar panels,” said Yaakov Geffom of Progressive People’s Action & Progressive Jewish Coalition. “They’re trying to get as much surveillance on us as possible, but we’re not afraid. We’re out here and honestly, send us the video.”

Shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, police told protesters to leave or face consequences. You can watch a clip in the Tweet below.

USF did not respond when asked by Spectrum News about possible cameras.

Many of those protesting Tuesday are students but some, like Geffom, are not. 

“It’s the last day of Passover and it’s the season of liberation,” he said. “It is. It is a commandment in the holiest and most realistic and real way right now to be out here. It is a one of the highest mitzvahs I can think of doing right now.”

That feeling was echoed by others who said the protest was not meant to intimidate Jewish students on campus.

“We have more solidarity with all Jewish students. I’ve seen, you know, cases of antisemitism and like, that’s not anything we want to perpetuate,” Geffom said.

Protests causing concern for some USF students

But some of those students say the are scared, whether it's the intention or not.

The protests are leaving many feeling personally attacked, which is why students say they found a safe place at the Center for Jewish Campus Life.

Inside USF Hillel are signs of a recent celebration. 

“We had this up for Passover, for seder, for graduation Shabbat," said Sylvie Feinsmith, executive director of Hillels of the Florida Suncoast.

The center has been a home away from home for many Jewish students has recently come a haven for them, open later than usual.

“It’s just a very uncomfortable situation to even be there anymore," said student Jacob Kamp. "So that’s why I think most Jewish students, including myself feel safer being here to study compared to at that library.”

Senior Sivan Bennain said chanting from protesters was most upsetting.

“I come here for my education," he said. "Not to hear, 'Long live the intifada,' while walking to class. It brings tears to my eyes to hear students on my campus yell that out towards me. It’s terrible to hear.”

The students are trying to remain positive, even upbeat as other students arrive at the center. 

In a statement Monday, the university said it honors free speech, but anyone participating in a demonstration needs to have the proper permission:

"This includes peaceful protests and demonstrations that occur regularly on USF’s three campuses without incident and are part of the public discourse of a university. However, the expression of free speech must remain peaceful and not violate the law or USF policies. The university has been clear that violence, threats, harassment and disruptions will not be tolerated.”

Also on Monday, a counter-protest was happening by a group supporting Israel. The Israel supporters said they were proud of the Jewish turnout and support.

In a statement, officials with the Florida Holocaust Museum, which is also monitoring the ongoing demonstrations on college campuses around the country, said they are concerned about the safety of Jewish students:  

"The Florida Holocaust Museum was heartened to see the University of Florida firmly enforce its own code of conduct while upholding free speech rights, and applauds the University of South Florida for sending a strong message that it will follow suit. We call on all colleges and universities to do the same. Your students and faculty are in danger. Your decision should not be difficult."