Categories: Local NewsTop Stories

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.”

Roder Atwood in Boston Municipal Court on October 8, 2025.

CBS Boston


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.”

Source link

Ava Thompson

Ava Thompson – Local News Reporter Focuses on U.S. cities, community issues, and breaking local events

Recent Posts

NBA annual survey says Thunder will repeat, Nuggets’ Jokic as MVP

Tim BontempsOctober 9, 2025, 11:46 a.m. ETCloseTim Bontemps is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com who covers the league and…

3 weeks ago

Donald Trump to present Ben Carson with the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Dr. Ben Carson, recently named National Nutrition Advisor at the U.S. Department of…

3 weeks ago

Federal health insurance premiums will see another significant increase in 2026

Federal employees and annuitants are heading into another year of sharp increases in their health insurance premiums, both under the…

3 weeks ago

Drake’s Lawsuit Against Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Dismissed by Judge

A federal judge on Thursday (Oct. 9) dismissed Drake's defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like…

3 weeks ago

10/9: CBS Morning News – CBS News

10/9: CBS Morning News - CBS News Watch CBS News Israel and Hamas agree to first phase of Gaza peace…

3 weeks ago

Letitia James, who sued Trump, indicted for alleged bank fraud: NPR

New York Attorney General Letitia James speaks during a news conference January 8, 2025 in New York. Michael M. Santiago/Getty…

3 weeks ago