On Tuesday night, a disturbing incident unfolded at UCLA's pro-Palestinian protest encampment, where several dozen men dressed in black with white masks launched a violent attack using crude weapons such as poles and incendiaries. The chaos was captured on video by a witness who arrived at the scene before the altercation began.
The witness, who regularly films police conduct in Los Angeles, documented hours of footage showing the lead-up to the attack and its aftermath. According to the witness, the attackers appeared to be pro-Israel based on remarks made during the incident. Some individuals were seen carrying Israeli flags and wearing clothing with pro-Israel messages.
In the video footage, individuals dressed in black can be seen attempting to breach the encampment, while protesters inside used mace to defend themselves. The confrontation escalated into physical altercations, with attackers punching, kicking, and hitting pro-Palestinian protesters with sticks.
Law enforcement eventually arrived at the scene, with the UCLA Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and Los Angeles Police Department responding to the incident. Despite their presence, the situation reportedly continued for several hours before any intervention occurred.
It was noted that the LAPD deferred to the UCLA police in handling the situation. The lack of immediate de-escalation by the authorities has raised concerns about the handling of the violent clash and the safety of those involved.
The incident underscores the tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenges of maintaining peaceful protests on college campuses. As investigations into the altercation continue, the community awaits further updates on the aftermath and potential repercussions for those involved.
