In response to the violent incident on UCLA’s campus, Chancellor Gene Block stated that the school is working with the Los Angeles Police Department and has contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation to hold those involved accountable.
The unrest happened at a pro-Palestinian solidarity campground established by activists on April 25. On April 30, pro-Israeli counter-protesters attempted to demolish the campsite, sparking hours-long violence.
Michael Drake, President of the University of California system, revealed that 15 persons were hurt during the incident, one of whom required hospitalisation. Despite the widespread violence, no arrests were made initially, but Chancellor Block promised a thorough investigation.
Following the incident, police moved in on May 2 to destroy the encampment and arrest hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists. Chancellor Block restated his commitment to identifying and prosecuting violent perpetrators, with the support of the LAPD and, potentially, the FBI.
Despite these efforts, demonstrations on campus continued, resulting in additional arrests. The newly constituted Office of university Safety arrested 43 people in a university parking garage after they refused to show identification during curfew hours.
Protests continued, causing the institution to relocate all classes to remote learning and close several campus facilities until further notice. The UCLA administration did not disclose additional information on the latest arrests.