PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Commissioner Rene Gonzalez called for “public order” on his social media accounts Wednesday in response to protesters occupying Portland State’s Millard Library.

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental American right,” Gonzalez wrote. “Destruction of property and denying others access to shared facilities is not.”

A KOIN 6 News report documented the extensive damage inside PSU’s occupied library Tuesday. Footage of the library halls showed a trail of graffiti, broken glass and stacks of furniture blocking stairwells and corridors. PSU President Ann Cudd said that the roughly 50 students agreed to leave the building peacefully early Wednesday morning. However, a number of protesters still inside the building are not students, she said.

Gonzalez said that he has instructed the bureaus that he oversees, including Portland Fire & Rescue, the Bureau of Emergency Communications, and the Bureau of Emergency Management, to give the Portland Police Bureau and Mayor Ted Wheeler “whatever support they need in preserving public order and making our downtown welcoming for all.”

“Absorbing police resources over an extended period and bringing more chaos to our downtown, still fighting for its future, is unacceptable,” Gonzalez said.

Commissioner Carmen Rubio, who is running against Gonzalez in Portland’s mayoral election, told KOIN 6 News that she supports the protesters’ calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, she also condemned those vandalizing public property.

“I believe that we are one community,” Rubio said. “And as such, we need to address these situations in a collaborative manner, both in ensuring that our students’ rights to freedom of speech and assembly are protected, while making it abundantly clear to the leaders of these demonstrations that violence and property destruction will not be tolerated.”

Gov. Kotek also addressed the protest in a press conference on Wednesday.

“I believe in the non-violent expression of free speech. I do not support discriminatory harassment, or violence, or property damage. I think that needs to be dealt with. I do think universities are doing it in different ways. I do think we have seen some very peaceful expressions of free speech that are appropriate on out campuses here, so we’ll continue to monitor it. What I have to say to families with any concerns: We are watching it. We will make sure things don’t get out of hand. And also, I think we want to make it clear that Oregon is a place where we honor the exchange of ideas and free expression, but we do it in a way that people can feel safe and supported. If there are any concerns, I’ll certainly want to know in my office,” she said.

KOIN 6 also requested a response from city commissioner and mayoral candidate Mingus Mapps. However, Mapps did not immediately respond.