UCLA cancels classes, condemnations roll in, after night of violence at pro-Palestinian encampment

UCLA canceled classes Wednesday, May 1, a day after violence roiled the campus at the site of a pro-Palestinian encampment occupied by protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza.

“Due to the distress caused by the violence that took place on Royce Quad late last night and early this morning, all classes are cancelled today. Please avoid the Royce Quad area,” the university posted on X shortly after 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The action was a major escalation of the administration’s response a week since pro-Palestinian protesters began occupying the campus.

For update, see: Violent clashes break out among opposing protest factions at UCLA

That occupation — fueled by demands that the university divest from companies that do business with Israel and the call for cease-fire in the region — had been declared by UCLA as unlawful just hours before the overnight violence erupted as counter-protesters descended on the campus.

Graffiti spotted at UCLA this morning by Anderson Hall. The ‘Palestine Solidarity Encampment’ is now in its 7th day. All is quiet at the encampment for now, but there is a heavy presence of UCLA Police with riot gear and hired private security. pic.twitter.com/tbyqnisvQl

— Clara Harter (@_ClaraHarter) May 1, 2024

Sporadic violence in the quad continued for about two hours. Projectiles were thrown and fireworks set off, with possible tear gas fired. Opposing protesters got into scuffles. Dozens of people were participating on each side. Some combatants were armed with large sticks.

By just after midnight, a group appeared to be trying to dismantle the Palestinian encampment, with some people trying to take down fences, plywood and other barricades. At one point, a group of protesters took a metal barricade and ran through the crowd with it.

One person was injured and taken away in an ambulance, according to broadcast reports. Until around 1 a.m., there was a minimal police presence and no indication anyone had been arrested. Eventually, the LAPD and the California Highway patrol arrived, in riot gear. More than two dozen officers set up a skirmish line.

By daybreak Wednesday morning, the “Palestine Solidarity Encampment” was still standing as students began the 7th day of their Royce Quad occupation.

The encampment was quiet as a few bleary eyed students guarded the exits and most protesters bunked down in tents trying to get some sleep after a chaotic night.

Just got home from the hospital. Wasn’t expecting the night to end like this, but please continue following the Daily Bruin’s coverage on the pro-Palestine encampment at UCLA and the violence toward it. Amid the assaults on reporters, student journalism will remain so important.

— Catherine Hamilton (@cat__hamilton5) May 1, 2024

Metal barriers remained up, sealing the encampment zone from other students and members of the media.

There remained a heavy presence of UCLA campus police and hired private security officers stationed and the quad.

Black spray paint graffiti was splayed on the walls of Anderson Hall bearing the messages “Free Palestine” and “Anti-semitism ≠ Zionism”.

“The violence unfolding this evening at UCLA is absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable. LAPD has arrived on campus,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement released early Wednesday. Bass, who was in Washington, D.C., this week discussing homelessness and lobbying for housing dollars, cut short her trip to return to Los Angeles Wednesday morning in response to the violence. Bass had not been scheduled to return to Los Angeles until Friday.

I am at the UCLA quad, where things have been very tense all day after school law enforcement has asked protesters to leave and a large group of counter protesters has thrown fireworks. Both groups are facing off with lots of media & some cops nearby. pic.twitter.com/1nOGKDn85l

— Emily Holshouser (@emilyytayylor) May 1, 2024

Amid the violence, City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the Fifth District, posted on social media the situation on UCLA’s campus was “out of control.”

“Everyone has a right to free speech and protest, but the situation on UCLA’s campus is out of control and is no longer safe. I’m grateful to LAPD and Mayor Bass for stepping in to ensure the safety of everyone on campus,” she posted on social media.

Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on social media his office is closely monitoring the situation. “Law enforcement leaders are in contact this evening and resources are being mobilized,” Newsom posted.

In an editorial published Wednesday morning, a Daily Bruin editorial laid blame on UCLA  for being “complicit in violence inflicted upon protesters,” and failing to protect students.

The Jewish Federation Los Angeles said in a statement that it was appalled at the violence.

“The abhorrent actions of a few counter-protesters last night do not represent the Jewish community or our values. We believe in peaceful, civic discourse. Unfortunately, the violence at UCLA is a result of the lack of leadership from the chancellor and the UCLA administration,” the group’s statement continued. “The chancellor has allowed for an environment to be created over many months that has made students feel unsafe, allowed for illegal encampments in violation of its own laws, refused to censure faculty and staff who flouted UCLA’s Code of Conduct, and has been systemically slow to respond when law enforcement is desperately needed. His failed leadership has enabled the chaos we witnessed last night.”

The group called on Chancellor Gene Block to close the encampments at UCLA immediately.

University officials also announced that Royce Hall near the encampment will remain closed until Friday, and students were told to check with their instructors about new locations for classes that normally meet in that building. Powell Library, meanwhile, will remain closed until Monday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

City News Service contributed to this article.