The UCLA campus was the scene of a clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, leading to the deployment of riot gear-clad officers from the Los Angeles Police Department.
Their objective was to remove barricades surrounding the pro-Palestinian protest encampment.
The clash, which occurred late Tuesday into Wednesday morning, involved pro-Israel protesters launching fireworks, metal barriers, and tear gas towards the encampment.
UCLA officials had previously deemed the pro-Palestine encampment unlawful, warning that individuals associated with the university could face disciplinary action.
These protests at UCLA are part of a larger wave of demonstrations across college campuses in the United States against the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza, as school authorities strive to maintain campus safety.
On Thursday morning, pro-Palestine supporters were heard chanting slogans such as “Cops go home,” “Peaceful protest,” and “Shame on you.”
Protesters attempted to impede the progress of law enforcement officials by equipping themselves with shields and umbrellas.
Additionally, they utilized lights to momentarily blind the officers, as reported by USA Today.
The publication further stated that a number of protesters were apprehended and observed kneeling with their hands restrained behind their backs.
However, it is worth noting that the demonstration was not solely comprised of students.
Graeme Blair, an associate professor of political science and a member of the Faculty for Justice in Palestine at UCLA, conveyed through a text message to the Daily Bruin that professors participating in the protest were prepared to face arrest alongside the students.
Graeme Blair, associate professor of political science and member of Faculty for Justice in Palestine, said via text message that professors inside the encampment “plan to be arrested alongside students who have done nothing but talk about a genocide taking place in Palestine.”
— Daily Bruin (@dailybruin) May 2, 2024
Watch:
UCLA BREAKING 🚨 : CHP RIOT POLICE HAVE BROKEN THROUGH, POLICE HAVE BREACHED THE ENCAMPMENT. PEOPLE BEING DETAINED. pic.twitter.com/uxcAOReRp5
— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) May 2, 2024
BREAKING UCLA 🚨 : CHP Riot Police begin trying to break through protestor barrier, fights ensue, multiple injured. pic.twitter.com/2hCSmihJZ9
— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) May 2, 2024
UCLA 🚨: CHP Police have broken through the entire front barrier tearing down makeshift walls and metal bars. There is now nothing standing in between exposed protestors and Riot Police. pic.twitter.com/QpC5pjFuUx
— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) May 2, 2024
It ain’t organic! This unrest and chaos is planned and financed by Soros!