The case against an 18-year-old accused of attacking pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA in April has been referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office for misdemeanor filing consideration, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The accused individual was identified by his mother as the man in a white hoodie seen attacking protesters with a long pole in videos circulated on social media. He was arrested on suspicion of felony assault in May.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón stated in a news release that after a thorough review, they could not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused's conduct directly caused the victim’s injury. There was no evidence of collaboration with others or any organized effort related to the incident.
Video evidence shows the 18-year-old striking a pro-Palestinian protester with a pole and continuing the assault even when the victim was down, while other counterprotesters joined in.
The UCLA Police Department confirmed the accused was on the UCLA campus on April 30 and was captured on video assaulting encampment occupants with a wooden pole. He was arrested by UCLA Police in Beverly Hills on May 23 and released on bail the following day.
Law enforcement did not intervene as counterprotesters attacked the encampment, resulting in injuries to at least 25 protesters who were taken to local emergency rooms for treatment, including fractures, severe lacerations, and chemical-induced injuries.
The accused individual's mother initially celebrated her son's involvement in the event on social media but later claimed he was not present at UCLA that night.
He is the first person facing charges in connection with the violent attack, while a criminal investigation into the events at the UCLA campus on April 30 is ongoing. Another matter related to the UCLA demonstration is currently under review by the district attorney’s office.
