LOS ANGELES (KABC) – Pro-Palestinian protesters have taken over a building at Cal State Los Angeles, where the campus president is reportedly trapped in her office. The group has erected barricades, piled up furniture, overturned golf carts, and tables outside the Student Services Building, sparking a tense situation on campus.
According to reports, the encampment began more than a month ago on another section of campus before escalating on Wednesday. Protesters have not only blocked access to the building but also removed copiers and furniture to strengthen their barricades throughout the night.
Campus President Berenecea Johnson Eanes, who assumed her role last year, finds herself confined to her eighth-floor office amid the escalating situation. Employees in the Student Services Building have been advised to shelter in place, while others on campus have been instructed to vacate the premises.
By late afternoon, much of the campus beyond the affected building appeared deserted as officials monitored the unfolding events. A campus spokesperson acknowledged that a small group of administrators remained in the building, exploring options to peacefully resolve the tense standoff.
Outside the building, a group of protesters, many masked, stood guard at the entrance, with pro-Palestinian graffiti covering windows on multiple floors. Despite the heightened tensions, there seemed to be a limited presence of campus police or external law enforcement agencies in the vicinity.
The university has labeled the protest as “unauthorized activity,” as the situation continues to unfold. Meanwhile, protesters have been seen delivering supplies, including food and diapers, indicating their intent to prolong their occupation of the building.
As the standoff persists, campus officials and local authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved. The community remains on edge as tensions rise, with ongoing efforts to peacefully resolve the impasse at Cal State Los Angeles.