The Sheriff of California has criticized a lawsuit he labeled as “less-worthy,” which was brought forth by UCLA students and community members. They claim that law enforcement, responding to a pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA last year, would “attack students” unfairly.
According to the lawsuit initiated by a group in Los Angeles, both the LAPD and California Highway Patrol “collaborated to dismantle the UCLA Palestinian Solidarity Encampment,” which had been deemed illegal by the university, leading to class cancellations.
The LAPD and CHP refrained from commenting on the ongoing lawsuit. Sheriff Chad Bianco from nearby Riverside County, who is not formally involved, expressed his strong belief that the plaintiffs are “100% completely wrong.” He remarked, “At the time, there were numerous protests—not just locally, but across several states. My concern has always been that educational institutions and law enforcement have allowed such activities, and when it spirals out of control, it becomes sensationalized, which is, perhaps, why this lawsuit exists—just for attention. It feels utterly ridiculous and undermines our legal system.”
Bianco goes on to say he recognizes that some participants have good intentions, expressing their right to free speech, especially in academic settings. Yet, he noted their worries about being labeled as supporters of “genocide” or perceived negatively by others involved.
He shared, “Most of these protesters receive compensation. Many of the students think they’re doing something valuable, or are simply part of the program and being utilized by others.” He finds that the minority engaging in illegal actions disrupts the educational environment for a larger student body.
The encampment had been established on April 25 and was dismantled on May 2, during which police began clearing it out.
The lawsuit alleges that police assaulted students and community members. It also claims that on April 30, pro-Israel demonstrators attacked the camp using chemical irritants, fireworks, and other makeshift weapons in a bid to dismantle barricades.
Plaintiff Abdullah Puckett described the response from police as militarized. He recounted a disturbing incident where he was shot by officers while unarmed, with his hands raised, claiming it mirrored violence faced by Palestinians. The lawsuit indicates that officers utilized rubber bullets and batons, documenting injuries resulting from the protest disruptions.
Puckett highlighted that recent executive actions signal that similar oppressive methods could emerge in the U.S., unless they oppose the injustices others face internationally.
The Council on America and Islamic Relations (CAIR) stated the importance of this lawsuit, asserting that educational institutions should be safe spaces for free expression. They argued that it reflects a broader trend where student voices advocating for Palestinian rights are met with excessive force.
In response, Sheriff Bianco criticized what he sees as inflammatory language surrounding the issue. He expressed concerns over the legal system allowing such cases to proceed, describing it as a failure of justice.
Furthermore, Wade Stern, representing law enforcement, characterized the accusations as exaggerated, asserting that police actions were necessary to address a rapidly deteriorating situation. He explained that the protest had become increasingly dangerous, necessitating a careful response to ensure safety on campus.
Stern mentioned that protesters largely ignored multiple warnings to disperse the illegal encampments, which had descended into chaos.
Ultimately, the situation, as Bianco sees it, might persist until university leaders take a firmer stance against such disruptions to campus life. Neither UCLA nor CAIR responded to inquiries for comment on this issue.
