Police arrested 25 protesters in support of the Palestinian cause at UCLA, breaking up an encampment that had been declared illegal. The protest had been ongoing for several weeks but escalated when protesters set up an unauthorized encampment with tents, canopies, shields, and barricades. The police issued a dispersal order, warning protesters that they were part of an “unlawful assembly” and could face fines and jail time for violating the California Criminal Code. The protesters then attempted to set up a new encampment nearby, leading to further confrontations with law enforcement.
The situation escalated when protesters began reading out the names of Palestinians said to have died in Israeli military action in Gaza. This led to the arrest of the protesters on suspicion of willfully disrupting college operations, a crime that could result in a six-month jail sentence. Video footage shared by the UCLA Faculty Association showed a female protester being taken to the ground by officers in riot gear after shouting, “No racist police!” The association called on college leaders to stop using police violence against students and employees.
The arrests occurred after a tense standoff between protesters and law enforcement officers, including campus police, city police, and the California Highway Patrol. The protesters accused the officers of arresting and brutalizing students while a protester called for the release of those who had been taken into custody. The arrests occurred around 8 p.m. as final exams were taking place, further disrupting campus activities.
The UCLA Police Department issued a statement accusing the protesters of vandalizing university property and disrupting final exams. The department stated that its priority was to ensure the well-being and safety of the community, and that its officers were on site to address the situation. The arrests followed similar actions taken by police across the country, as tensions flared on major college campuses.
The protest in support of the Palestinian cause at UCLA was met with a heavy police presence, leading to confrontations and arrests. The protesters faced charges of disrupting college operations and were ordered to stay away from the campus for 14 days. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions and clashes between law enforcement and protesters advocating for social justice causes.
The events at UCLA underscored the challenges faced by protesters seeking to raise awareness for the Palestinian cause. Despite facing opposition from law enforcement and university authorities, the protesters persist in their efforts to draw attention to the situation in Gaza and advocate for justice for Palestinians. The arrests and confrontations serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and the importance of activism in addressing global issues.
