LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Chancellor Gene Block of UCLA has finally addressed the violent assault that occurred on the university campus after five days of silence. The attack on the Palestine Solidarity Encampment involved a group of 100 men who unleashed a barrage of violence on the students, including beatings, bear spray assaults, and the launching of fireworks and projectiles into the camp.
The students fought back against the attackers, managing to defend their encampment until the Los Angeles Police Department was called in to intervene. Despite the prolonged assault, the UCLA Police Department remained passive, raising concerns about their response to the incident.
Multiple students were hospitalized as a result of the attack, with conflicting reports from UCLA and the Palestine Solidarity Encampment regarding the exact number of individuals injured. The violent nature of the assault shocked the UCLA community and prompted Chancellor Block to take action.
In a statement to the Bruin community, Chancellor Block condemned the attack as a “truly despicable act” and vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable. An investigation led by Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is underway, with the LAPD and FBI offering assistance in identifying and prosecuting those responsible.
UCPD is reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to gather evidence about the attack. The Office of Campus Safety, under Braziel’s direction, is also assessing UCPD’s response and campus security protocols to prevent future incidents.
The safety and well-being of the UCLA community are top priorities for Chancellor Block, who emphasized the importance of creating a secure environment for students, faculty, and staff. By seeking justice for the victims and improving campus safety measures, UCLA aims to ensure that its community members can learn, work, and thrive without fear of violence.