The protest against UCLA’s decision to evict pro-Palestinian students from an encampment on campus turned violent on Tuesday night. A group of protesters began tearing down barriers that were set up to keep them away from the encampment, sparking a riot.
Earlier in the day, UCLA officials declared the encampment illegal and security personnel hired by the university were present in yellow vests. However, when asked about their response to the situation, the university spokesman declined to comment.
Videos showed protesters using fireworks and chemicals to attack those trying to destroy barriers. Some protesters also attacked individuals in groups with makeshift weapons such as sticks, traffic cones, and planks of wood. Protesters inside the encampment shouted “Hold the line!” while fighting with those trying to destroy barriers.
Around 1 a.m., UCLA officials called for help from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), who arrived immediately and stood back about 300 meters from the area without intervening at first. They eventually advanced towards the encampment at around 2:42 a.m., dispersing protesters and calming the violence.
UCLA President Gene Block condemned the attackers and criticized campus law enforcement for their delayed response on Wednesday. Jewish and Muslim organizations also condemned
