Protestors violently clash on UCLA campus

Dueling groups of protesters clashed early on Wednesday morning at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After UCLA declared a pro-Palestinian demonstrators’ encampment unlawful, violence broke out between dozens of protesters and counter-protesters. Videos show protestors grappling in fistfights and shoving, kicking, and using sticks to beat one another, which led to one person being driven away in an ambulance.

The Los Angeles Police Department said the University of California Police Department (UCPD) was handling the situation. UCPD said all available officers were dealing with the incident. “The Mayor has spoken to Chancellor Block and Chief Choi. LAPD is responding immediately to Chancellor Block’s request for support on campus,” Mayor Karen Bass’ office said in a statement.

Hostilities between the two sides, however, were not impeded by police. “Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight, and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support,” Vice Chancellor Mary Osako said in a statement. “The fire department and medical personnel are on the scene. We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end.”

Hours earlier, in New York, police entered a building at Columbia University that pro-Palestinian protesters took over and broke up protestors at City College. More than 200 protesters were arrested at Columbia University and City College of New York, according to law enforcement sources.