Los Angeles, California – Violence erupted at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) during clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters that lasted for nearly five hours. The conflict began when counterprotesters attempted to dismantle the pro-Palestinian encampment set up on the campus, leading to a series of violent confrontations. Police arrived hours later but initially did not intervene, allowing the clashes to escalate.
Videos from the incident showed disturbing scenes of violence, with counterprotesters attacking pro-Palestinian students in the encampment using various weapons, including sticks and chemical sprays. Despite the intensity of the clashes, no arrests had been made in connection with the violence as of Friday.
The chaos unfolded as security personnel hired by the university remained on the sidelines, with a university spokesperson declining to comment on their response. Counterprotesters, many wearing pro-Israel slogans, engaged in aggressive behavior, including blaring music with Israeli nationalistic themes.
Throughout the night, counterprotesters continued to escalate the violence by attacking the encampment with fireworks, chemicals, and physical assaults. The pro-Palestinian protesters, meanwhile, defended themselves by using chemical sprays and makeshift weapons to protect their barricades.
The delayed response from law enforcement drew criticism, with officers finally moving in around 2:42 a.m. to disperse the crowds. The lack of immediate intervention led to injuries among both pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli supporters, with reports of fifteen people being harmed in the clashes.
Following the incident, U.C.L.A.’s chancellor condemned the violence, labeling the actions of the instigators as unacceptable. Community and religious organizations, including Los Angeles Jewish and Muslim groups, also voiced condemnation and called for investigations into the law enforcement’s response.
In the aftermath, police dismantled the encampment and made over 200 arrests to restore order on campus. The incident sparked debates about campus security protocols and the importance of timely intervention to prevent violent clashes in the future.