WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Police arrived at UCLA early Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between competing protest teams at a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus.
Folks have been crushed and hit with sticks because the clashes between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters went on for roughly three hours earlier than police intervened. At occasions, protesters would use barricades as weapons.
Earlier than police arrived, a bunch piled on one one who lay on the bottom, kicking and beating them till others pulled them out of the scrum.
A chaotic scene unfolded at UCLA the place clashes broke out on campus.
“The violence unfolding this night at UCLA is totally abhorrent and inexcusable,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted on X.
It is unclear how many individuals have been injured.
“Horrific acts of violence occurred on the encampment tonight and we instantly known as legislation enforcement for mutual assist help,” Mary Osako, vice chancellor for UCLA Strategic Communications, advised the campus newspaper, the Each day Bruin.
“We’re sickened by this mindless violence and it should finish,” the assertion added.
Incidents of violence have been breaking out between competing protest teams on the UCLA campus as police maintained their distance.
Bass spoke to the college’s chancellor and stated police would reply to the varsity’s request, in keeping with a submit on X from her spokesperson Zach Seidl.
The violence escalated simply earlier than 11 p.m. Tuesday when counter-protesters surrounded the encampment. Fireworks have been seen being thrown contained in the encampment.
Legislation enforcement didn’t instantly intervene amid the violence. LAPD officers stated they have been in touch with campus police. The California Freeway Patrol additionally confirmed it was requested to ship models. However greater than two hours of clashes handed with no uniformed campus police or LAPD officers on scene.
The clashes befell simply exterior a tent encampment, the place pro-Palestinian protesters erected barricades and plywood for defense – and counter-protesters tried to drag them down.
Safety was tightened Tuesday on the campus after officers stated there have been “bodily altercations” between factions of protesters.
Police arrived at UCLA early Wednesday after violent clashes erupted between competing protest teams at a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
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