Following UCLA's declaration of a pro-Palestinian encampment as unlawful, a clash erupted between protesters and counter-protesters, resulting in one individual being taken away in an ambulance. The extent of the victim's injuries remains unknown.
Law enforcement appeared to depart after paramedics attended to the victim. The Los Angeles Police Department deferred to UCPD for handling the situation, with UCPD stating that all available officers were addressing the incident on campus.
Despite this, the confrontations between the opposing sides continued unabated by the presence of police.
Well past 11:30 p.m., protesters persisted in skirmishes, launching fireworks towards the encampments as scuffles extended beyond the barriers. In one such scuffle, an individual was seen wielding what appeared to be a skateboard.
Counter-protesters retaliated by hurling traffic cones, a scooter, wooden pallets, and what seemed to be smoke bombs towards individuals near the encampment's perimeter.
Fragments of the makeshift barrier were shattered, prompting some protesters to carry a metal fence to segregate themselves from the opposing group.
Protesters were observed pushing the metal fence further out into the quad to establish a buffer zone between the two factions.
What sparked the confrontation?
As tensions escalated at UCLA, individuals began to remove metal barriers from the encampment, dragging them away from the area. Simultaneously, some attempted to tear down a makeshift wooden fence, leading to clashes between different groups. Amid the chaos, fights broke out along the wooden barrier with objects being thrown overhead.
One person from the encampment reported being pepper-sprayed during the mayhem.
Approximately two hours into the hostilities, LAPD officers were observed gathering at a nearby parking lot.
What led up to the clash?
After nearly a week of protesters setting up a tent city at UCLA, tensions reached a boiling point on Tuesday night when university officials deemed the encampment unlawful. A directive was issued for everyone to vacate the premises or face arrest.
"The established encampment is unlawful and violates university policy," the university stated. "Law enforcement is prepared to arrest individuals in accordance with applicable law. Non-UCLA persons are notified to leave the encampment and depart the campus immediately."
The university also instructed students, staff, and faculty to evacuate the area.
"Individuals who opt to remain — whether students or employees — may be subject to penalties," the university warned. "For students, these consequences could include disciplinary actions like interim suspension that, following due process through the student conduct process, might result in dismissal."
In response, the protesters issued a statement asserting their refusal to disband.
"We will not leave. We will remain here until our demands are met. You justify the mistreatment of students in the encampment in the same way you justify your complicity in the Palestinian genocide," the protesters declared in a written statement.
They urged students and "other members" of the community to unite with their cause.
"Administration wants you to believe that this movement is futile," they asserted. "While the administration publicly condemns us, they privately negotiate with us because the collective power of unified students threatens them."
Their demands include divestment from Israel.
UC President Michael Drake voiced his backing for UCLA's decision, emphasizing his respect for free expression.
"But when that expression blocks the ability of students to learn or to express their own viewpoints, when it meaningfully disrupts the functioning of the University, or when it threatens the safety of students, or anyone else, we must act," he stated.
Earlier on Tuesday, a confrontation erupted between protesters and Jewish students as the encampment obstructed access to the library during midterms.
"It doesn't make any sense to me that students on our campus can simply intimidate you by standing there putting their arms out and block you," expressed sophomore Declan Foley. "I don't have passionate feelings about this situation at all. I just want to get to class."
