Violence erupted on Tuesday night at a pro-Palestinian encampment established at the University of California, Los Angeles (U.C.L.A.), following attempts by counterprotesters to dismantle barricades. The clashes, captured in over 100 videos analyzed by The New York Times, persisted for nearly five hours with minimal police intervention.
The conflict began when counterprotesters initiated the removal of metal barriers surrounding the pro-Palestinian encampment, despite the encampment being declared illegal by U.C.L.A. officials earlier in the day.
Videos depict counterprotesters launching violent attacks on pro-Palestinian students within the encampment, utilizing sticks, chemical sprays, and fireworks as weapons.
Counterprotesters, many adorned with pro-Israel slogans, continued their assault on the encampment for hours, with instances of spraying chemicals and launching fireworks documented. The violence escalated as counterprotesters swarmed individuals, engaging in physical altercations and utilizing makeshift weapons.
Despite calls for police assistance, law enforcement arrived hours later, with some officers observed standing idle at a distance for extended periods. It wasn’t until approximately 2:42 a.m. that police began moving toward the encampment, prompting counterprotesters to disperse.
The delayed police response has drawn criticism from various quarters, including U.C.L.A.’s chancellor, Gene Block, who condemned the actions of instigators attacking the encampment. Concerns over campus law enforcement’s handling of the situation have led to calls for investigations from California Governor Gavin Newsom and local organizations representing Jewish and Muslim communities.
The aftermath of the violence saw 15 reported injuries and over 200 arrests. Law enforcement subsequently dismantled the encampment, marking an end to the tumultuous events that unfolded at U.C.L.A.