Tensions flared at the University of Southern California (USC) as police presence escalated on campus, leading to confrontations with pro-Palestinian protesters. The situation unfolded when the LAPD, in collaboration with campus officers, encircled the demonstrators, altering the atmosphere on site.
The incident began in the early hours of Wednesday when pro-Palestinian protesters assembled at USC's Alumni Park. Initially peaceful, the demonstration took a turn when clashes erupted between protesters and law enforcement over the placement of signs on trees around noon.
Amidst the commotion, one individual was arrested but was promptly released following vocal demands from protesters advocating for his release.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a total of 93 individuals were subsequently arrested on suspicion of trespassing during the day's events at USC.
Protester Demands and Calls for Action
The protesters at USC articulated six key demands, including advocating for an academic boycott of Israel, safeguarding free speech on campus, halting displacement in Gaza and Palestinian territories, opposing policing on campus, and urging USC to address the issue of genocide and Palestine.
Furthermore, there have been broader appeals to sever ties with Israeli academic institutions and to discontinue funding from entities associated with Israel.
