In the early hours of Thursday morning, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an operation to dismantle the pro-Palestinian camp set up on the University of California (UCLA) campus in protest against Israeli government policies. The Sheriff’s Office reports that 209 people were arrested during the operation, including both students and university staff.
After being detained, 135 of those arrested were formally charged in the parking lot of the Los Angeles Central Court while others were transported by buses to the Metropolitan Detention Center of the Los Angeles Police Department. Those arrested have been given food, water, and access to public services. They have also been offered transportation services, most of whom have been cited and released for illegal assembly and will have to appear in court at a later date.
The police assault began with several flares being launched on the protesters, who responded by using fire extinguishers against officers. The operation involved approximately 250 police officers with heavy riot gear, according to a spokesman for the California Highway Patrol, Alejandro Rubio. He stated that there is approximately one police officer for each protester in the camp, although injuries are still pending at this time. Rubio also noted that protesters threw fire extinguishers and water bottles at police officers during the conflict.
Two days ago, UCLA declared camping on its campus illegal after it was set up by activists protesting Israeli government policies. The situation worsened when pro-Israel protesters attacked activists on Tuesday night. It took hours for law enforcement officials to intervene and stop violence on campus.
