An anti-Israel protest at the University of California, Los Angeles turned violent as fights broke out and firecrackers were thrown at makeshift tent encampments. The commotion began after agitators attempted to break down a barricade set up on campus. One agitator even sprayed pepper spray into multiple people’s faces, leading to a big brawl. Firecrackers were then thrown towards a barrier set up by campus police, causing chaos and sending people running for cover. It took nearly three hours for law enforcement to respond to the clash between protesters, as the UC schools’ police force didn’t formally request the LAPD’s help until midnight.
The late-night disorder at UCLA occurred hours after the campus declared the encampment illegal and warned protesters they could face consequences if they didn’t leave. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence before announcing the LAPD had been called in to help restore order. California Governor Gavin Newsom remained silent after protests at UCLA and UC Berkeley turned violent. Newsom had expressed the importance of maintaining the right to protest without hate during a news conference earlier that day. The LAPD confirmed their presence on campus, stating they were working with other agencies to bring back order.
Horrific acts of violence occurred at the UCLA campus during the protest, leading to the immediate calling of law enforcement for support. The fire department and medical personnel were on the scene to assist with the situation. The Strategic Communications office at UCLA expressed their disgust at the senseless violence, emphasizing the need for it to stop. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence at UCLA, calling it abhorrent and inexcusable. She acknowledged that LAPD officers had arrived on campus to help deal with the chaos. Governor Gavin Newsom did not respond to the violent turn of events following the protests at UCLA and UC Berkeley.
The LAPD confirmed their presence on campus and their efforts to restore order, working alongside UCLA PD and other law enforcement agencies. The violence at the protest was condemned, with efforts being made to address the situation. Protesters were warned of potential consequences for their actions if they didn’t comply with campus regulations. The situation escalated as agitators initiated violent acts against fellow protesters. The response from law enforcement was delayed, leading to a prolonged period of unrest on campus. Overall, the incident at UCLA highlighted the need for better management of protests and the prevention of violent outbreaks.
