Protesters and counterprotesters clashed overnight at a pro-Palestinian encampment on UCLA’s campus.
The skirmish began around 11 p.m. on Tuesday when counterprotesters marched toward to confront the occupants of the encampment, according to local reports. The two factions then began to brawl.
Chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” could be reportedly heard among the counterprotesters.
“Protest has continued for more than 90 minutes with no law enforcement presence as brawls escalate in crowd,” ABC7 Eyewitness News posted on X, formerly Twitter. “People are being beaten and kicked, barricades are being used as weapons.”
Multiple people were reportedly injured and one video showed someone being carried away on a makeshift stretcher. However, as the situation has yet to be declared under control by authorities, no updates exist on the number of people injured at this time.
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Mary Osako, UCLA’s vice chancellor of strategic communications, was critical of the violence and those who participated in it. She released a statement to UCLA’s student newspaper, the Daily Bruin.
“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight,” said Osako. “The fire department and medical personnel are on the scene. We are sickened by this senseless violence, and it must end.”
The clash continued for over two hours before law enforcement officers reportedly arrived. The Los Angeles Police Department and California Highway Patrol were seen wearing riot gear upon their arrival.
“At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety,” LAPD said in a statement.
Reports later surfaced on X that there were several altercations between protesters and police officers.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence in a statement she posted on X.
“The violence unfolding this evening at UCLA is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable,” Bass said.
This story is in development.
