Los Angeles, California – Violence erupted on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles when counter-protesters clashed with a pro-Palestinian protest encampment early Wednesday morning, May 1, 2024. University administrators had to call in law enforcement officers to handle the situation, according to a university official.
A thorough investigation is now underway into the violent attacks that occurred at Royce Quad at UCLA, which the university’s chancellor has denounced as “a truly despicable act.” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block stated in a notice to the UCLA community that identifying those responsible for the violence remains a top priority.
Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading the law enforcement investigation to hold the perpetrators accountable. The LAPD has also committed a detective to assist in the investigative efforts, and discussions with the FBI and Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón are ongoing for possible assistance and prosecution.
The violence on campus occurred when a group of instigators attacked students, faculty, and staff members who were encamped with Palestinian supporters at Royce Quad on the night of Tuesday, April 30. The UCLA Police Department (UCPD) is currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to gather more information about the incident.
In response to the attacks and arrests on campus, a new Office of Campus Safety has been established under the direction of Chancellor Block and is being led by Braziel. The office is conducting a comprehensive review of UCLA’s security protocols and assessing all acts of violence that have taken place on campus in the past 12 days.
Efforts are underway to enhance campus safety operations and establish additional measures to protect students, staff, and visitors on campus. The dismantling of the pro-Palestinian encampment by law enforcement two days after the violence occurred marked a significant development in restoring order at UCLA.