Two California mayors clashed on social media after law enforcement was called in to confront anti-Israel agitators on the University of California, Irvine campus.
Irvine Mayor Farah Khan and former Newport Beach Mayor Will O’Neal address students with an We responded to the University of Irvine’s official announcement and shared our competitive perspective.
“It is unfortunate that peaceful free speech protests are always met with violence,” Khan wrote. “Taking up space on campus or in buildings is not a threat to anyone.”
“The UCI leadership must do everything possible to avoid creating a violent scenario here. These are unarmed students,” she added.
Police invade the University of California, Irvine campus after anti-Israel agitators swarm the building.Students are asked to “please leave the area”
Irvine Mayor Farah Khan appeared to blame law enforcement for responding at the request of the University of California, Irvine, when anti-Israel protesters occupied the building. (Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Following Irvine’s comments about law enforcement, the former Newport Beach mayor criticized Khan’s “careless language” and said he “preemptively accused police officers” of violence.
“Newport Beach Police Officers are currently assisting in Irvine in response to a mutual aid request. Your careless language has left our officers and many of the law enforcement officers who responded “It looks like you’re preemptively accusing them of violence,” O’Neill replied.
Mr O’Neill called on the current mayor to “clarify” his message.
Handcuffed Columbia University student tears up diploma at graduation podium in protest
“If that’s what you meant, then your message is under the mayor’s authority. If not, please clarify immediately,” he wrote.
On Wednesday, May 15, law enforcement was called to action after anti-Israel agitators took over a building at the University of California, Irvine. (Fox News)
The dueling comments came after the University of California, Irvine, was swarmed by anti-Israel agitators Wednesday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the University of California, Irvine said in a statement to Fox News Digital that the campus was in chaos after hundreds of protesters entered the Physical Sciences Auditorium and began barricading the building at 2:30 p.m. PT. He said he had fallen into.
Hundreds of anti-Israel demonstrators entered the Physical Sciences Auditorium at the University of California, Irvine and began barricading themselves Wednesday, despite the university’s request to leave the area. (Reuters/Mike Blake)
This is what the university called for. local law enforcement and received immediate assistance from the Irvine Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Livestream footage of clashes between anti-Israel agitators and police showed at least one demonstrator being arrested.
Click to get the FOX News app
Authorities said the protesters entered the campus Wednesday afternoon, joining an established encampment that has occupied the campus since April 29.
FOX News Digital has reached out to Khan and O’Neal for comment.
