A tense standoff at UCLA persisted into Thursday night, following the arrest of at least 50 student and staff protesters demonstrating against Israel’s military action in Gaza.
Despite the arrests, a number of students remained on campus to continue their protest, with others returning to the site.
The protesters had been ordered to leave after a pro-Israel group attacked their encampment, sparking criticism of the Los Angeles Police Department’s response time.
On Thursday morning, police in riot gear systematically dismantled the protesters’ barricade, deploying flares and filling the air with smoke.
In recent weeks, UCLA has become a focal point for pro-Palestinian activism, with students calling for the university to divest from companies with financial ties to Israel, recognize Palestinian statehood, and condemn Israel as an apartheid state.
Many protesters, including those who have been arrested, have vowed to continue their demonstrations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom released a statement on Wednesday morning saying, “I condemn the violence at UCLA last night.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying, “Those involved in launching fireworks at other people, spraying chemicals and physically assaulting others will be found, arrested, and prosecuted, as well as anyone involved in any form of violence or lawlessness.”
