Police arrested over 200 people on Thursday morning as they cleared out a pro-Palestinian protest encampment at UCLA’s campus following a tense overnight standoff. Officers began clearing the encampment around 3 a.m. local time, with most of the protestors facing misdemeanor charges like resisting arrest. The effort to dismantle the barricades came after repeated warnings to evacuate the area, with protestors urging each other to “hold the line” as police moved in. Gunshots and flashbangs were reported during the raid, with some protestors attempting to resist by spraying officers with fire extinguishers.
In a separate incident, police in Hanover, New Hampshire, arrested over 90 people at Dartmouth University and another 12 at the University of New Hampshire’s protest encampments. Additionally, a total of 282 people were arrested at Columbia University and City University of New York after a raid by the New York Police Department. UCLA issued a public safety alert ordering students to stay away from the protest areas, stating that all unauthorized structures were unlawful. Authorities warned that remaining in the encampment could lead to sanctions including disciplinary measures for students.
The police presence at UCLA’s encampment followed an escalation of violence on Tuesday night, when counter-protesters attacked demonstrators with bear mace, pepper spray, and fireworks. Only a small group of university police officers were present during the attack, leading to calls for a full investigation and stronger security measures on campus. California elected officials condemned the violence, with Governor Gavin Newsom stating that the right to free speech does not extend to inciting violence or lawlessness. Mayor Karen Bass called for those involved in any form of violence to be arrested and prosecuted.
The protests at UCLA and other universities across the country called for divestment from companies selling weapons to Israel and the severance of ties with Israeli academic institutions. The encampments have sparked confrontations with counter-protesters, leading to clashes and arrests in multiple locations. The tense standoffs highlight the ongoing tension surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of balancing free speech with public safety on college campuses. UCLA’s actions to dismantle the encampment signal a crackdown on unauthorized protests, while also raising questions about the appropriate response to demonstrations and potential violence. The arrests serve as a reminder of the complexities of managing protests and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved.
Overall, the protests and subsequent arrests at UCLA underscore the deep divisions and emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as well as the challenges universities face in balancing the rights of protesters with maintaining a safe and peaceful campus environment. The incidents at UCLA, Dartmouth, and other universities highlight the ongoing need for dialogue, understanding, and conflict resolution in addressing complex and controversial issues. The actions taken by law enforcement and university officials in response to the protests will likely fuel further debate and scrutiny, as the aftermath of the demonstrations continues to unfold.
