Los Angeles, California – A violent incident unfolded at UCLA’s protest encampment as individuals dressed in black with white masks attacked pro-Palestinian protesters using crude weapons such as poles and incendiaries. The chaos, captured on video by William Gude, a Los Angeles resident known for documenting police conduct, lasted for hours on Tuesday night.
Gude arrived at the scene before the confrontation began, filming the events leading up to the attack and its aftermath. In the footage he shared, individuals in black attire can be seen trying to remove barricades in front of the encampment, while the pro-Palestinian protesters inside used mace for defense. The clash escalated into one-on-one skirmishes between the groups, described by Gude as a sustained four-hour assault.
Identified as pro-Israel by Gude based on their remarks, the attackers carried Israeli flags and one person wore a hoodie reading, “Free our hostages.” Multiple online videos show the black-clad individuals assaulting the pro-Palestinian protesters with sticks, punching and kicking them. Despite police presence, initial reports indicate that law enforcement did not intervene to de-escalate the situation until later in the night.
UCLA Police Department arrived at the scene an hour into the attack, followed by the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles Police Department. However, it was not until much later that the authorities engaged with the crowd to address the violence, according to Gude’s account. The LAPD referred questions regarding the incident to UCLA Police, with CNN seeking responses from all involved departments and the university.
The prolonged attack on the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA highlights tensions between opposing groups and the need for effective law enforcement response to maintain public safety. As investigations continue, the community seeks answers and accountability for the violent disruption of peaceful protests. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in ensuring the right to protest without fear of intimidation or violence.