University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) President Gene Block said the university is working with the FBI to investigate a group of pro-Israel counterprotesters who allegedly stormed an anti-Israel campus encampment, sparking hours of violence. He said he has contacted the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. collide.
Hundreds of anti-Israel agitators set up a camp on UCLA’s campus on the Royce Quad last month, demanding that the university divest from businesses and organizations with ties to Israel.
However, early Wednesday morning, a group of about 100 pro-Israel counter-demonstrators arrived on UCLA’s campus, where they clashed with anti-Israel agitators, resulting in a fight breaking out and an attack on the encamped demonstrators. Fireworks were fired at them and other items were thrown. Part of the chaos.
After about three hours without police intervention, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered the Los Angeles Police Department to work with other law enforcement agencies to break up the protest.
UCLA students accuse university of ‘encouraging violence’ and turning campus into ‘war zone’: ‘This is shameful’
On May 2, 2024, police and anti-Israel students confront each other after breaking down part of an encampment barricade on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles. UCLA has contacted the FBI regarding an investigation into a group of pro-Israel counter-protesters who allegedly stormed campus. Several hours of violent clashes broke out in the camp. (Etienne Laurent/AFP/Getty)
Block said the encampment is illegal, violates policy, and contributes to a dangerous situation on campus.
UCLA has now launched an investigation into the pro-Israel group that attacked the illegal military camp.
“A group of agitators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students and faculty members who were camping out to defend Palestinian rights,” Block said in a statement Monday.
“This was a truly despicable act. In a message to campus the next day, I pledged to find those responsible and bring them to justice. This remains an important priority.”
He said the university and police are leading the investigation, which includes reviewing security footage from the night and speaking to witnesses who were at the scene. He called on other witnesses to come forward.
The Los Angeles Police Department is also involved in the investigation, and the FBI has been contacted for assistance, although it is unclear what role the FBI will play, Block said. Fox News Digital reached out to the FBI for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
California authorities condemn violent anti-Israel protests at UCLA
Police preempt anti-Israel demonstrators at an encampment on the UCLA campus on May 2, 2024. Violence broke out on campus when about 100 pro-Israel counter-demonstrators and anti-Israel agitators clashed. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Professor Block said the university has also spoken with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón and asked for his cooperation in “ensuring that the instigators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
He also said a new Office of Campus Safety has been created to review UCPD’s response to the attack. A broader assessment of any acts of violence on campus during anti-Israel protests is also being considered.
“Holding the instigators of this attack accountable and strengthening campus safety efforts are both important. Members of our community must learn, work, and grow only in an environment where they feel safe. “We can do that,” Block said.
The news comes days after the police union representing UC school officers criticized UCLA administrators for their “lack of response” to violence that occurred on campus. The union called for an independent investigation into the response.
“University administrators are solely responsible for the university’s response to campus protests, and they bear all consequences of that response,” Wade Stern, president of the Federal University Police Officers Association, said in a press release Saturday. ” he said.
Anti-Israel demonstrators occupy an encampment on the UCLA campus on April 25, 2024. (Eric Thayer/Getty Images)
Police initially waited until the violence unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday, according to Fox 11. Local police in riot gear responded to the scene several hours later.
Photos and videos online offered a glimpse of the chaos on UCLA’s campus, showing people throwing chairs, hitting each other with sticks and weapons, shoving and kicking each other. Firecrackers were also thrown into groups of people and pepper spray was used at various times.
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Law enforcement eventually moved in and cleared the encampment, arresting more than 200 protesters.
Students told Fox 11 they are frustrated by the university’s lack of response. One campus security guard said UCLA “could have stopped this a long time ago.”
FOX News’ Landon Mion and Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
