Protests at UCLA have descended into anarchy as masked counter-protesters violently clashed with pro-Palestinian activists who have taken over parts of the campus.
Officials have warned that the LAPD was among multiple law enforcement agencies called to the scene after the situation turned violent.
Videos shared widely on social media show individuals hurling fireworks at other protesters and throwing objects at the encampment. Others used flares and green lasers to add to the chaos.
Writing on X, LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence. She wrote: “The violence unfolding this evening at UCLA is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable. LAPD has arrived on campus.”
Before the arrival of officers several individuals and local media outlets noted the lack of police presence during numerous brawls on campus.
The LAPD had reportedly begun to make arrests at the scene of the chaos and video was shared to social media showing officers in riot gear preparing to enter the encampment.
UCLA is just the latest US university to become overwhelmed by protests and NYPD officers in New York City made 100 arrests at Columbia University after protesters there stormed a building and displayed a banner saluting “intifada”.
Campuses around the US have cancelled classes and police have clashed with protesters in several other areas of the country. The news comes after Joe Biden was able to get a bill passed through Congress which continues military support for Israel.
Tensions in the US and around the globe exploded after Hamas launched a massive terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, 2023 killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking hundreds of hostages. Israel’s response has led to the death of more than 30,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, according to health officials in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
