Protest Over Pro-Palestinian Encampment on UCLA Campus Escalates to Violence

LOS ANGELES, May 1 (KNN) — An attempted destruction of the pro-Palestinian encampment on the UCLA campus erupted into a violent clash between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel supporters Tuesday night.

The incident escalated into physical fighting, with objects such as water bottles and orange cones being thrown into the crowd.

Protesters were also observed fighting with security guards which left the area once the protesters became physically violent.

UCLA Police and UCLA EMS arrived to assist with a medical emergency and then left the scene.

A man, self-identified as a UCLA alumni, entered the campus out of curiosity during the violent protest and told Key News Network on-camera that he felt it was “crazy what’s going on.” He added that this is not the same administration as when he attended the school. “I hate that the administration is not doing anything.”

There should be a police presence on campus at this time because these are not peaceful protests, said the UCLA alumni. One of the reporters was pepper sprayed and a woman needed medical attention after being hit, he told KNN.

“Where is the administration?” he asked. “I thought this was an equal, fair school that I went to. This is not what I’m seeing this past week”

One person in the crowd is heard on KNN video saying, “Alright guys, calm down, man,” as music, counter to the violent scene, blared from nearby speakers.

Amel Kharchenko, Video Journalist / KNN