Absolute Chaos' Erupts as Police Take UCLA Encampment by Force
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus witnessed chaotic scenes early Thursday as police dispersed anti-Israel demonstrators from a tent encampment, leading to clashes and arrests.
California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear began dismantling barricades and arresting protesters around 3 a.m. local time, as reported by NBC News. Some demonstrators resisted, resulting in confrontations between police and protesters.
By approximately 5:15 a.m., most protesters had been cleared, except for a group in a college library who linked arms, refusing to comply with police orders.
🚨California Highway Patrolmen in riot gear are attempting to breach one side of the UCLA encampment. Occupiers rushed with people and shields to push back against the officers. So far CHP has not broken through this route. pic.twitter.com/sn4921iEos
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 2, 2024
Journalist Julio Rosas described the situation as "absolute chaos," noting clashes between occupiers and police, including the use of flashbangs by law enforcement.
Several individuals were arrested during the operation, and one officer sustained injuries. Los Angeles police reportedly utilized rubber bullets against some protesters during the clashes.
UCLA 🚨: CHP has taken control of about 90% of the encampment area, mass arrests made of those who remained behind. A last stand is looking to unfold with makeshift barriers and remaining protestors. pic.twitter.com/pkoLExV7I1
— Anthony Cabassa (@AnthonyCabassa_) May 2, 2024
The Los Angeles Times documented scenes of officers breaking through barricades and protesters using fire extinguishers and flares during the confrontation. Police used flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd.
While pushing back occupiers at UCLA, a California Highway Patrolman removed the big Palestinian flag in the middle of the encampment and threw it on the ground. pic.twitter.com/oMzHecSeog
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 2, 2024
The Associated Press reported that protesters were warned to disperse or face arrest before police intervention. The encampment had attracted approximately 1,000 participants at the time of police action.
CHP riot police made another breach at the UCLA encampment, shoving occupiers out of the way and tearing down the “No Genocide” banner at Royce Hall. A few people in the crowd threw objects at the police. pic.twitter.com/rllrFBtmlE
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) May 2, 2024
Following the intervention, police dismantled tents and cleared the protest site.
Earlier, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block had declared the encampment an unlawful assembly, citing concerns about disruption to the university's academic mission and the impact on campus safety. Block emphasized support for peaceful protest but condemned activities causing fear and anxiety among students, especially those in the Jewish community.