Los Angeles, California – A demonstration at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) turned violent when a vigilante pro-Israel mob attacked peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters, sparking a delay in police intervention that lasted nearly four hours. Masked counter-demonstrators, carrying Israeli flags, hurled fireworks into the encampment, attempting to tear it down while assaulting students with pepper spray, sticks, stones, and metal fencing. Despite pleas for help, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) only stepped in after an extended period of chaos.
In the midst of the violent clashes, witnesses described horrific acts of violence as the attackers targeted the pro-Palestinian camp, causing injuries and creating a scene of fear and chaos. The situation escalated as some individuals in the mob resorted to kicking and beating a person who lay on the ground until they were eventually pulled away. LAPD confirmed their intervention around 2 am after receiving requests for support from the UCLA administration following the prolonged clashes.
Students, who had been occupying campus grounds in solidarity with Palestine, found themselves under attack by individuals from outside the university who sought to disrupt their protest. The violence prompted Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to condemn the actions as “absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable,” highlighting the urgency for police intervention in such situations to maintain public safety and order.
The attack at UCLA reflects a broader trend of escalating tensions and violence in demonstrations across various universities in the United States against Israel’s war on Gaza, with some protests leading to police crackdowns. The incidents at UCLA and Columbia University in New York City underscore the challenges faced by pro-Palestinian activists in advocating for divestment from Israel amid opposition and resistance.
As the situation unfolds, concerns mount over the implications of delayed police responses on future incidents and the safety of protesters. The mob’s actions are reminiscent of settler violence without the use of lethal force, drawing parallels to conflicts in the occupied West Bank. With symbols of radical groups displayed during the attack, questions arise about the organization and motives of those involved in the violence.
The standoff between protesters and authorities at universities like UCLA and Columbia reflects a larger struggle for justice and equity in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Calls for accountability and support for peaceful protests resonate amidst the chaos and disruption caused by vigilante groups. The incidents highlight the need for proactive measures to prevent further violence and ensure the protection of individuals exercising their right to protest and demand justice.