In a tense standoff at UCLA, police descended on the campus as hundreds of protesters remained in a pro-Palestinian encampment that had been deemed unlawful by the university. The demonstrators were warned that they could face arrest if they did not disperse.
A heavy presence of law enforcement agencies, including LAPD, LASD, CHP, and UC Police, surrounded the encampment as clashes erupted with counter-protesters. Despite a dispersal order, thousands of people refused to leave the area, leading to a two-hour span of violence that involved smoke bombs, fireworks, and attacks with sticks. Multiple individuals were injured during the chaos.
As the situation escalated, UCLA made the decision to cancel classes and officially declared the encampment unlawful. Protesters, however, released a statement reaffirming their commitment to staying until their demands, which included divestment from Israel, were met.
UC President Michael Drake voiced his support for UCLA’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue while respecting free expression. The clashes followed an earlier incident in which access to the library was blocked by the encampment, sparking confrontations between protesters and Jewish students on campus.
The events at UCLA have ignited a heated debate surrounding free speech, political activism, and the Israel-Palestine conflict. The university administration and law enforcement continue to monitor the situation as tensions remain high on campus. Stay tuned to Jala News for further updates on this developing story.
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