chaos spread throughout the night University of California, Los Angeles, Clashes broke out between opposing groups following anti-Israel protests. Police wearing face shields and riot gear were eventually called to the scene to restore order.
Pictures and videos online captured the chaos, showing people throwing chairs, using sticks and weapons to beat and push and kick each other. Fireworks were also thrown into groups of people and pepper spray was used at various times.
Mary Osako, a senior UCLA official, told the campus newspaper the Daily Bruin, “There were horrific incidents of violence at the camp tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid.”
The unrest was allowed to continue for at least two hours before law enforcement officials arrived at the scene Fox 11 Los Angeles.
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California Highway Patrol officers stand near an area showing messages of support for Israeli hostages in Gaza, amid clashes with an anti-Israel camp on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus on May 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Reuters/David Swanson)
The chaotic scenes began at 11 pm on Tuesday, when Palestine supporters and pro israel group Met with screams and slogans. But, matters deteriorated rapidly.
Police did not immediately confront those causing chaos on campus until the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the campus just before 2 a.m. local time.
Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, CHP officers attempted to restore order on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. (Reuters/David Swanson)
Anti-Israel protesters clash with CHP officers on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus on May 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Reuters/David Swanson)
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the violence “inexcusable” and said the LAPD was on the UCLA campus. to settle the dispute Between protesters and counter-protesters.
“The violence that occurred at UCLA this evening is absolutely disgusting and inexcusable,” Bass wrote on Twitter at 1:47 a.m. local time. “The LAPD has arrived on campus.”
California Highway Patrol officers also responded.
Fox Los Angeles confirmed seeing officers at the complex at 1:59 p.m.
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Just before 5 a.m., the LAPD confirmed on Twitter that officers had been called to the campus by the university.
“At the request of UCLA, due to numerous acts of violence Big camp in their compound, The LAPD is assisting UCLA PD and other law enforcement agencies to restore order and maintain public safety,” it said in a post.
The Associated Press reported that the officers were wearing riot gear.
On May 1, 2024, law enforcement officers were called to restore order on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. (Reuters/David Swanson)
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky spoke out against the violent protests taking place at UCLA.
Yaroslavsky, who represents Los Angeles City Council District 5, said the clashes were “out of control” and the campus is “no longer safe.”
Yaroslavsky said, “Everyone has the right to speak out and protest, but the situation on UCLA’s campus is out of control and no longer safe. I call on the LAPD and Mayor Bass to take steps to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.” Grateful for.” Written on X.
UCLA’s Office of Strategic Communications issued a statement calling the campus riots “terrible.”
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The statement read, “There were horrific acts of violence at the camp tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid. Fire departments and medical personnel are on the scene. We are disturbed by this senseless violence and it must end.” ”
People on campus threw chairs, used sticks and weapons to beat each other, and pushed and kicked each other. (Reuters/David Swanson)
Retired police officer and former LA City Council member Dennis Zine spoke to Fox Los Angeles and confirmed that LAPD officers were not able to intervene unless the university specifically requested it.
“(LAPD) is going to follow instructions from UCLA police. They’re the primary agency involved,” he explained. “The LAPD will follow their orders. They are the primary responsibility. The LAPD will support them.”
“The LAPD does not have primary responsibility for responding. It’s UCLA,” Zinn continued. “They field the call, then LAPD units that are on patrol handle the call or radio calls, 911 calls, other calls, booking inmates, etc. Then, they have people at a location adjacent to the campus, and then they’re going. Are they going to make sure they’re deployed, and then they’re going to make arrests?
The protest group directly challenged the anti-Israel group, which was demanding the encampment’s removal. (Reuters/David Swanson)
The violence appears to have been sparked by a group of students demanding the removal of anti-Israel graffiti after school officials and law enforcement officials decided to allow it to remain.
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The protest group directly challenged the anti-Israel group, which was demanding the encampment’s removal.
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends”, Tussie Gabbard said that anti-Israel agitators were echoing calls for Hamas and Hezbollah in the Middle East in their calls for the university to secede from Israel.
On Wednesday morning, the LAPD led multi-agency operations To restore order on campus.
UCLA has approximately 32,000 undergraduate students. It is located in the Westwood neighborhood, near Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
