Westwood, Los Angeles, witnessed a scene of chaos late Tuesday as clashes erupted at a pro-Palestinian encampment on the UCLA campus. The violent confrontations between protesters have extended for over 90 minutes, well into the early hours of Wednesday, without any law enforcement presence to intervene and stop the mayhem. As the brawls intensified, individuals were seen being beaten and barricades repurposed as weapons in the escalating clashes.
Tensions peaked just before 11 p.m. when counter-protesters surrounded the encampment, leading to multiple instances of fireworks being hurled into the area. The situation further spiraled out of control as individuals resorted to using sticks as weapons during the skirmishes. Campus police have confirmed their response to the scene, although the extent of injuries sustained amidst the chaos remains unclear.
Mary Osako, the vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, condemned the violent acts that transpired at the encampment, emphasizing the immediate call for law enforcement support. Expressing disgust at the ongoing senseless violence, Osako stressed the urgent need to bring an end to the unrest. In response to the situation, Mayor Karen Bass engaged with UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi, ensuring that the LAPD promptly dispatched support to the campus.
Further details on the unfolding events at UCLA will be added to this report as they become available, underscoring the evolving nature of the clashes and the imperative for swift resolution. The disturbances at the university serve as a stark reminder of the heightened tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for peaceful dialogue and constructive engagement to address underlying grievances. The commitment to ensuring the safety of all individuals on campus remains a top priority, as local authorities and university officials strive to restore order and prevent further escalation of violence.