UCLA Police Confront Pro-Palestinian Protesters
TL/DR –
Pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA were confronted by police on Monday, and some were arrested. The demonstration included protesters reading out the names of those who have died in Gaza, and dyeing the waters of the Shapiro Fountain red. The protest became chaotic when police and private security guards formed a skirmish line with protesters, with one student reportedly going to the hospital with wounds from a rubber bullet.
Police at UCLA Arrests Pro-Palestinian Demonstrators
Pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA encountered police on Monday, leading to several arrests following a protest that included reciting names of those killed in Gaza.
Demonstrators colored the Shapiro Fountain’s waters red, captured in aerial footage. A mostly peaceful protest turned chaotic later on as police and private security engaged with protesters behind barricades.
A crowd chanting “Let them go!” formed opposite the police line. According to associate professor Graeme Blair, a member of Faculty for Justice in Palestine, a student was sent to the hospital due to injuries from a rubber bullet fired near Dodd Hall.
UC Police declined to answer questions regarding arrests or the use of “less than lethal” weapons. Police had twice ordered the protesters to disperse, leading to the rapid dismantling of tents and barricades.
During the march, protesters read the names of deceased Palestinians aloud, chanting “They will not die in vain. They will be redeemed” after each name. Some demonstrators placed roses next to a coffin painted with the Palestinian flag, positioned near faux bloodied corpses.
The Students for Justice in Palestine at UCLA organized the event, with several faculty members showing support. This third pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA raised questions about the university’s preparedness for such events.
Previous encampments sparked peaceful counter protests, but were later declared unlawful by UCLA, calling for campus members to disperse or face discipline. One such event was attacked by a violent mob, leading to an overwhelmed police force and sustained violence for hours until control was regained.
During Monday’s demonstration, protesters wore surgical masks and used makeshift wooden shields and chicken wire barricades. The crowd moved around various locations on campus.
Protesters at UCLA set up barricades in the Dodd Hall courtyard. The confrontation escalated as an unlawful assembly was declared.
L.A. Police Capt. Kelly Muniz confirmed arrests during the protest but declined to provide additional details. UCLA professor Yogita Goyal was among faculty expressing support for the protesters, criticizing the decision to declare the peaceful protest an unlawful assembly.
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