The protests at UCLA turned violent when protesters broke down barriers that were set up to keep them separate from the pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Earlier, the university had declared the encampment illegal and security personnel were present in yellow vests. The university spokesman did not comment on how security personnel responded.
Videos showed protesters firing fireworks and spraying chemicals in people’s faces. Some protesters attacked individuals in groups using makeshift weapons such as sticks, traffic cones, and planks of wood. Protesters inside the encampment shouted “Hold the line!” while fighting with those trying to destroy barriers.
At around 1 a.m., UCLA officials called the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for help, and officers responded immediately. Other law enforcement agencies also arrived on the scene. Initially, police stood back about 300 meters away without intervening, but they eventually advanced towards the encampment at 2:42 a.m., dispersing protesters and calming the violence.
On Wednesday, UCLA President Gene Block condemned the attackers and criticized campus law enforcement for their delayed response. Jewish and Muslim organizations also condemned the attacks. Fifteen people were reportedly injured, leading to warnings for pro-Palestinian protesters to leave the encampment or face arrest by Thursday morning. The police had dismantled the encampment and arrested over 200 people by then.
Hussam Iloush from CAIR’s Los Angeles office called for an investigation into why police failed to intervene in a timely manner. The Jewish Federation of Los Angeles accused UCLA officials of creating an unsafe environment on campus.
The incident sparked backlash from various groups and individuals who called for accountability from all parties involved in this event.
The riot at UCLA was a dangerous escalation of tensions between Palestinians supporters and those who oppose them, resulting in injuries for both sides.
It is crucial that universities take responsibility for creating a safe space for all students regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds.
The incident also highlights the need for more effective communication between law enforcement agencies, universities, and community leaders to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future.