Violent clashes erupted on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, between a masked pro-Israeli group and pro-Palestinian students, leading to criticism of the police response by the office of California’s governor.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s spokesperson called the “limited and delayed” police intervention “unacceptable” as hundreds of police officers swarmed the campus after more than two hours of fighting. The clashes began late Tuesday night when a pro-Israeli group arrived on campus and attempted to dismantle barriers set up by pro-Palestinian students.
Eyewitnesses reported that law enforcement did not act quickly enough to intervene, with one group involved in the encampment stating that police “refused to budge” despite pleas for help.
The violence escalated as counter-demonstrators threw objects including fireworks, water bottles, and tear gas. Four reporters from the Daily Bruin student newspaper were assaulted and sprayed with an irritant by attackers recording the incident on their phones.
Governor Newsom condemned the violence, stating that those responsible must be held accountable through criminal prosecution, suspension, or expulsion. The clashes at UCLA come amidst a wave of protests at universities across the country against the war in Gaza, with activists demanding institutions cut financial ties with Israel.
Classes at UCLA were canceled as tensions remained high on campus, with calls for a thorough investigation into the violence by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges universities face in managing protests and maintaining campus safety.