In response to the recent outbreak of violence at UCLA, Chancellor Gene Block announced on Monday that the university is collaborating with the Los Angeles Police Department and has reached out to the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure accountability for those involved in the incident.
Tensions had been escalating outside the pro-Palestinian solidarity encampment since demonstrators occupied Royce Quad on April 25, erecting tents and barricades. On April 30, following Chancellor Block’s declaration of the encampment as “unauthorized,” pro-Israeli counter-protestors, some masked and dressed in black, launched fireworks and attempted to dismantle the barricades.
For over two hours, clashes ensued between the two groups, with campus police initially standing by until LAPD officers arrived to restore order around 2 a.m. Fifteen people were reported injured, with one requiring hospitalization, according to University of California system President Michael Drake. Despite the violence, no arrests were made initially, but Chancellor Block pledged a thorough investigation.
Just two days later, on May 2, police intervened, dismantling the encampment and arresting several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Chancellor Block reiterated the university’s commitment to identifying and holding accountable those responsible for the violence.
In a message to the Bruin community, Chancellor Block announced LAPD’s involvement in the investigation and stated that the university had reached out to the FBI for possible assistance. He also mentioned discussions with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to ensure prosecution of the instigators.
Investigators are currently reviewing available footage from the April 30 incident, conducting witness interviews, and encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
Despite these efforts, demonstrations continued on campus, and the newly formed Office of Campus Safety, led by former Sacramento Police Chief Rick Braziel, arrested 43 individuals in a campus parking structure for failure to provide identification during curfew hours. Subsequently, classes were moved online due to ongoing disruptions, with Royce Hall and Powell Library remaining closed until Friday.
The university did not respond to inquiries from KTLA regarding the day’s arrests.
