Westwood, Los Angeles – Classes at UCLA were canceled on Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators on campus. The altercation, which lasted for over three hours, involved physical altercations, the use of makeshift weapons, and reports of tear gas and bear spray being deployed. Law enforcement did not intervene until later in the night, drawing criticism for the delayed response.
As the situation escalated, external police departments began arriving around 1:30 a.m. but maintained a perimeter without directly engaging in the conflict. It wasn’t until 3 a.m. that a significant police presence led by CHP officers moved in to disperse the crowd. The University of California president’s office reported 15 injuries, including one hospitalization.
Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the violence, emphasizing that free speech does not extend to inciting violence or lawlessness. In response to the delayed law enforcement response, Governor Newsom’s office called for accountability and a thorough review of how the incident was handled.
Following the clashes, UCLA President Michael V. Drake called for an independent external review of the university’s planning and actions. The campus community was left in shock, with classes being canceled the next day and some campus areas remaining closed.
The tension between the protesters reflected a broader student movement across the nation, calling for universities to sever ties with entities supporting conflicts in Gaza. The clashes at UCLA mirrored similar protests at other universities, raising concerns about the impact on campus life and academic activities.
Despite the disruptions, some protesters remained resolute in their cause, vowing to stay until their demands were met. The incident also shed light on the challenges faced by student journalists, with reports of assaults on UCLA’s student newspaper reporters during the demonstrations.
In the aftermath of the violence, calls for accountability and a commitment to peaceful dialogue echoed across campus. The clashes at UCLA and other universities underscored the complexities of navigating political tensions within academic settings, prompting a reevaluation of security measures and response protocols.