Los Angeles, California – Violence erupted at the University of California, Los Angeles when clashes broke out between pro-Palestinian protesters and counterprotesters. The incidents lasted for nearly five hours, with minimal police intervention, as revealed by a New York Times investigation of over 100 videos from the scene.
The clashes began when counterprotesters attempted to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment’s barricade. Pro-Palestinian protesters hurried to rebuild it, leading to a surge of violence. The situation escalated as counterprotesters attacked students in the encampment, resorting to physical violence and using items like sticks, chemical sprays, and fireworks as weapons.
Police arrived hours after the clashes began but did not immediately intervene, as shown in videos from the scene. The videos highlighted the brutality of the attacks on the encampment, prompting concerns about the lack of police presence and response during the violent confrontations.
The violence escalated as counterprotesters engaged in aggressive behavior, tearing down barricades, shooting fireworks towards the encampment, and spraying chemicals at individuals. Pro-Israel slogans were evident on the clothing of many counterprotesters, indicating their affiliations and motivations during the clashes.
Despite the encampment protesters’ attempts to defend themselves, the videos showcased a prolonged period of violence initiated by the counterprotesters. The lack of police intervention for an extended period raised questions about law enforcement’s handling of the situation and their delayed response to the escalating violence.
The incidents led to injuries among the protesters, with reports indicating fifteen people were harmed during the clashes. The aftermath saw law enforcement dismantling the encampment and arresting over 200 individuals connected to the protest.
The events at UCLA sparked condemnation from various organizations, calling for investigations into the lack of police response and the unsafe environment created during the clashes. The incident underscored the challenges of managing protests and ensuring the safety of individuals involved in such contentious demonstrations.