Law enforcement was noticeably absent when violence erupted on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles late Tuesday night between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
Around 10:45 p.m., dozens of counter-protestors, many wearing white masks and flags over their shoulders, arrived at Royce Quad and attempted to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment that had been established since last Thursday. The agitators threw fireworks at the encampment and deployed what appeared to be bear or pepper spray.
Demonstrators on the pro-Palestinian side used umbrellas to shield themselves, and skirmishes broke out throughout the night as counter-protesters tried to remove wood pallets, plywood, and metal fencing from the encampment.
While UCLA campus police and medical staff briefly appeared before retreating, the Los Angeles Police Department had not responded as of 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. A representative for Gov. Gavin Newsom stated that law enforcement leaders were in communication and resources were being mobilized.
Aerial footage from Sky5 captured the chaotic scene, showing numerous clashes between protesters. The extent of injuries sustained and the severity of those injuries remained unclear.
The pro-Palestinian encampment, occupied by protesters calling for UCLA to divest all interests in Israel and for an immediate cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, now occupies parts of the steps and sidewalks of Powell Library and Royce Hall.
Prior to the escalation, efforts were made to donate snacks and drinks to the encampment. While not a student, Luke Veltz expressed support for calls to divest from Israel and advocate for a free Palestinian state.
Counter-protesters advocating for the release of Israeli hostages captured by Hamas on Oct. 7 utilized screens and speakers to display images and stories of survivors near the encampment, leading to tensions between the two groups.
Reports also surfaced of demonstrators in the encampment blocking students from attending classes, prompting the university to condemn such actions as “abhorrent” and warning of potential disciplinary measures.
The clashes mark the culmination of ongoing tensions on college campuses regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, with similar incidents unfolding at the University of Southern California where the main commencement ceremony was canceled in light of protests and demonstrations.