Overnight, a tense situation unfolded on the campus of The University of California, Los Angeles, as dueling protesters faced off in a confrontation that turned violent. The incident involved individuals wielding boards and debris as tensions escalated.
Video footage captured late Tuesday night showed a group of people wearing masks near encampment barricades. Some individuals were seen throwing metal and wood items, while others used plywood and umbrellas to block the debris. Additionally, there were reports of protesters brandishing a tennis racket and a skateboard.
At one point, the group approaching the barricades began chanting “USA!” although the specific cause they were supporting remained unclear. Amidst the chaos, a masked protester yelled across the barricade, “You gonna block Jewish kids? Let’s see. We’re fighting back, b----!”
Some protesters engaged in disruptive behavior, such as tossing fireworks into the crowd, playing loud music, and using laser pointers. Several minor physical altercations broke out among the protesters.
In response to the escalating situation, the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the scene early Wednesday morning to provide support to the UCLA Police Department. Aerial footage showed a line of police officers positioned along the street in front of Dickson Court, preventing further individuals from entering the area of the clashes.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within the community, underscoring the need for peaceful dialogue and resolution of conflicts.