Violence erupted on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles late Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning when pro-Israel demonstrators attacked a barricaded encampment organized by pro-Palestinian protesters at Royce Quad.
The encampment, which first emerged last Thursday, has been the site of heated debates, shouting matches and occasional skirmishes. However, the overnight violence marked a serious escalation and law enforcement was slow to respond.
News reporters and photographers observed several injuries on both sides of the conflict, none of which appeared to be serious. No arrests were reported.
The violence prompted the university to cancel all classes on Wednesday.
In a statement Wednesday, the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles said it was “appalled” by the actions of the agitators.
“The abhorrent actions of a few counter-protestors last night do not represent the Jewish
community or our values. We believe in peaceful, civic discourse,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, the violence at UCLA is a result of the lack of leadership from the
Chancellor and the UCLA administration.”
“The violence that occurred overnight at UCLA is unacceptable,” said L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (Third District). “I am in close contact with UCLA administrators, LA County’s Office of Emergency Management, and Sheriff Luna, and am working to convene leaders to find lasting solutions for all. For safety to truly be a priority, we must take thoughtful and appropriate steps to protect it. The UCLA community deserves nothing less.”