Tufts student accused of breaking Boston police officer’s nose at pro-Palestinian rally held on $10,000 bail

Tufts University student accused of breaking Boston police officer’s nose during police attack violent pro-Palestinian demonstration was ordered held Wednesday on $10,000 bail.

Roder Atwood, 21, of Somerville, pleaded not guilty to battery on a police officer, destruction of property, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace during his arraignment in Boston Municipal Court.

Tufts student one of 13 arrested

Atwood was one of 13 people arrested at Tuesday night’s rally. The pro-Palestinian protest on the Boston Common started peacefully, but turned violent when police said protesters were sitting in the middle of the road near the Park Street MBTA station, blocking traffic.

Prosecutor Olivia Izzi said police tried to move the crowd to the sidewalk so emergency vehicles could get to an unrelated drug arrest, but they refused to move and began fighting back. Several protesters reportedly surrounded police cars and kicked in the doors. Other officers said their radios and body cameras had been removed.

Four police officers were injured and taken to hospital, with injuries ranging from broken bones to back injuries caused by transporting a suspect. The police officer whose nose was broken also reportedly needs reconstructive surgery.

According to Izzi, the group organizing the demonstration had circulated a flyer depicting a police car on fire.

“We are extremely grateful for the work of the Boston Police Department to keep the city safe and to support the right to peacefully protest,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement Wednesday. “Boston will not tolerate violence and we categorically condemn those who came to our community to attack our police officers.”

6 suspects arrested Wednesday

Despite his attorney’s defense that he has multiple ties to the community and no criminal record, Atwood was ordered to stay away from Boston Common if he posts bail. He is due back in court on October 30.

“The allegations are serious and concerning. We are working with Boston police to obtain more information, and we will hold accountable any student who may have broken the law or violated university policy or our code of conduct,” a Tufts University spokesperson said when asked for comment.

The other 12 people arrested Tuesday evening ranged in age from 19 to 28 and are all from the Boston area. They are charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Five of those suspects were arraigned after Atwood and pleaded not guilty. The judge set their bail at $500 to $1,000, although Izzi did not request it, and ordered them to stay away from Boston Common. The other suspects will be brought to court on Thursday.

Why was bail set when it was not requested?

The WBZ-TV legal analyst said we shouldn’t be surprised the judge chose to set bail for the other defendants.

“The purpose of bail is to ensure that the accused comes forward and follows through on their allegations and continues the legal process,” Roman said. “And several factors can come into play when a judge decides whether or not to issue a bail order.”