Riot Erupts at UCLA as Protesters Tear Down Barriers, Injure Fifteen
A group of protesters sparked a riot by tearing down barriers that separated them from pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA. Earlier, the university had declared the encampment illegal, and security personnel were present in yellow vests. The university spokesman declined to comment on the response of the security teams.
The violence escalated when protesters shot fireworks and sprayed chemicals in people’s faces. Some protesters attacked individuals, sometimes in groups, using makeshift weapons like 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 for help from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), who responded immediately and other law enforcement agencies also arrived on the scene. Initially, the police stood back about 300 meters from the area without intervening. However, they eventually advanced towards the encampment around 2:42 a.m., dispersing protesters and calming the violence.
On Wednesday, UCLA President Gene Block condemned the attackers and criticized the delayed response by campus law enforcement. 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,
