Los Angeles, California – Violence erupted at UCLA’s Royce Quad in Los Angeles, prompting the University administrators to call in law enforcement officials. The clashes involved counter-protesters and pro-Palestinian supporters, leading to a chaotic scene on campus. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block condemned the violence as a “truly despicable act” and vowed to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators responsible for the attacks.
A thorough investigation is now underway to determine the events that transpired during the clash. Rick Braziel, the Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer, is leading the law enforcement inquiry to uncover the individuals behind the violent incident. The LAPD has joined efforts to assist in the investigation, with discussions ongoing with the FBI and Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón for further support in pursuing legal actions against the instigators.
The confrontations at Royce Quad on the night of April 30th involved masked assailants attacking students, faculty, and staff members who were camped with the Palestinian supporters. The violence continued into the early morning hours of May 1st, with reports of fireworks, pepper spray, and bear repellent being deployed. Several individuals suffered injuries from the chaos, leading to a disruption of campus activities.
In response to the attacks, the UCLA Police Department is currently reviewing surveillance footage to gather valuable evidence. Both Chancellor Block and Rick Braziel are committed to deploying all necessary resources to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the violent episode. The newly established Office of Campus Safety under the direction of Block and Braziel is also evaluating the university’s security protocols and ensuring the protection of students, staff, and visitors on campus.
As the fallout from the violence continues, Governor Gavin Newsom and other elected officials are calling for an examination of the law enforcement response to the incident. The UC system announced the hiring of 21st Century Policing Solutions to lead an independent investigation into the actions taken at UCLA during the clashes. The goal is to enhance campus safety operations and ensure a secure environment for all community members engaged in the university’s mission of teaching, research, and public service.
In the aftermath of the violent clashes, classes were cancelled, and efforts are underway to restore peace and prevent future incidents on campus. The university remains committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all its members, underscoring the importance of accountability and community safety in the wake of the disturbing events at UCLA.