Los Angeles, California – Following a violent assault on the UCLA campus, Chancellor Gene Block finally released a statement five days after the disturbing events unfolded. The incident took place during the night of April 30 and early morning hours of May 1, where a group of approximately 100 men attacked students at the Palestine Solidarity Encampment for over four hours. The assailants physically assaulted students, used bear spray against them, fired fireworks, and hurled projectiles at them as they tried to defend their encampment from the violent onslaught.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the students managed to repel the attackers until Mayor Karen Bass authorized the UCLA Administration to call in the Los Angeles Police Department around 1:00 a.m. During the chaotic incident, the UCLA Police Department stood by without taking any action as the group of men repeatedly attempted to breach the encampment’s barricades.
In the aftermath of the attack, reports indicated that 15 students were hospitalized according to UCLA, while the UCLA Palestine Solidarity Encampment claimed that 25 students required medical attention. Furthermore, one journalist covering the events was also subjected to violence and bear spray as the UCPD neglected to respond to the escalating situation that night.
Chancellor Block’s statement addressed the severity of the attack, condemning the violent actions against students, faculty, and staff advocating for Palestinian rights at the encampment in Royce Quad. He emphasized the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable and ensuring justice is served for those affected by the assault.
To investigate the incident, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement inquiry to identify the individuals responsible for the violence. The LAPD has assigned a detective to assist in the investigation, and discussions with the FBI and the Los Angeles County District Attorney seek to ensure that the instigators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Additionally, UCPD has been directed to allocate necessary resources for a swift and comprehensive investigation into the assault. The office of Campus Safety, under AVC Braziel’s guidance, is evaluating UCPD’s response to the attack and reviewing security protocols to enhance campus safety measures moving forward. The goal is to create a plan that incorporates key insights and additional strategies to protect the well-being of everyone within the campus community.