Over 200 individuals were arrested for failing to comply with orders to disperse from an illegal encampment that was recently dismantled on the grounds of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). The encampment, described by UCLA Chancellor Gene Block as a 'huge disruption,' led to a significant law enforcement response.
Initially, the California Highway Patrol reported 132 arrests related to the encampment. Chancellor Block emphasized that while many protesters were peaceful, the situation escalated into violence and posed a serious disruption to the campus environment. He stated that the encampment on Royce Quad was both unlawful and a violation of university policy, creating unsafe conditions and hindering the institution's ability to fulfill its mission.
According to Block, warnings were issued to individuals remaining in the encampment on Wednesday night, urging them to leave peacefully before law enforcement intervention. Approximately 300 protesters chose to depart voluntarily, but more than 200 individuals resisted dispersal orders and were subsequently arrested by the UCLA Police Department.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Dominic Choi confirmed that a total of 210 individuals were arrested on suspicion of failure to disperse in connection with the incident. The enforcement action was deemed necessary to restore order and ensure the safety of the campus community.
