Los Angeles, California – Police in riot gear dismantled a large pro-Palestinian encampment on the UCLA campus following a violent clash with counterprotesters. Over 200 people were arrested, and most of the protesters were dispersed, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The “Palestine solidarity encampment,” part of a national movement calling for universities to divest from companies with military ties to Israel, had been set up a week prior. The crackdown on student protesters nationwide had also been a focal point of the demonstration.
A heavy police presence, including officers from various law enforcement agencies, was deployed to the scene. The authorities reported an absence of serious injuries, although the L.A. Times documented cases of bloodied and injured students in need of medical attention during the police operation.
Despite knowing that police action was imminent, hundreds of students remained in and around the encampment, some even fortifying the area with makeshift walls. As police in riot gear gathered near the encampment, students wearing protective gear prepared for confrontation.
Throughout the evening, the police presence grew, culminating in officers approaching the barricaded entrance of the encampment as students chanted in support of Palestine. Similar pro-Palestinian encampments have led to arrests across various universities in recent weeks, sparking debate among faculty about the role of police in handling student protests.
Some faculty members, including UCLA associate professor Graeme Blair, have joined the student-led encampments to show support. Blair expressed frustration with the university’s decision to involve law enforcement, especially following a previous incident where students were attacked by counterdemonstrators supporting Israel.
In the aftermath of the violent clash and subsequent police intervention, calls for administrative accountability arose. University of California President Michael Drake ordered an investigation into UCLA’s handling of the demonstrations, while the union representing UC’s non-senate faculty and librarians called for the resignation of Chancellor Gene Block.
The events at UCLA raised concerns about campus safety, freedom of speech, and the handling of student protests. The tension between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and counterprotesters underscored broader discussions about activism, security, and the role of law enforcement in responding to campus unrest.