MONTREAL — Police are investigating after a large group allegedly smashed windows and graffitied the entrance to McGill University on Wednesday night with the message “Free Palestine.”

The institution said in a statement Thursday that the vandalism was tied to its decision to continue rejecting the boycott, divest and sanctioning (BDS) campaign against Israel.

“These acts of vandalism were intended to intimidate our campus community and bully us into changing the university’s decision,” McGill said. “The university’s position rejecting BDS remains clear and firm.”

The statement said a group of about 40 arrived at around 8:15 p.m. and quickly moved through campus. Windows were smashed in five buildings, and classes and exams taking place on campus were disrupted. “These actions, which caused extensive damage, created panic and anxiety among students, faculty and staff on site,” the university said.

Const. Jean-Pierre Brabant of the Montreal police said officers responded to calls at around 8:20 p.m., but by the time they arrived the suspects had already fled on foot. He said the graffiti was scrawled on the Roddick Gates at the university’s Sherbrooke Street entrance.

Brabant said no arrests have been made but police plan to use security camera footage to try to identify the vandals.

McGill said Quebec universities have become targets since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, and protesters’ actions are infringing the rights of employees and students to work and learn in a safe environment. The university called for action from city officials, local police and the Quebec government.

The vandalism came days after U.S. President Donald Trump floated a plan to take over Gaza and expel Palestinians, a suggestion rights groups say is tantamount to a call for ethnic cleansing.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2025.

— With files from The Associated Press.