Dozens arrested after clashes break out between police, pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA
WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Clashes between officers and pro-Palestinian protesters broke out at UCLA Monday after demonstrators set up tents at Dickson Plaza and dyed a nearby fountain red.
About two dozen people were arrested for willful disruption of university operations, according to the UCLA Police Department.
The UCLA Police Department said the group set up three encampments during the course of the day.
By 8 p.m. officers had herded some of the crowd into a narrow pathway hedged in by bushes. There were several clashes between officers and protesters in that area. Some in the crowd dived through the bushes and made their own path to get away.
About 25 people were taken into custody following the incident. Earlier in the day, another individual was arrested at Royce Quad for interfering with a police officer.
"The individuals are in the process of being cited, issued 14-day stay away orders from UCLA property, and released," the UCLA Police Department said in a statement.
Campus police said the group also "spray-painted brick walkways, tampered with fire safety equipment, damaged patio furniture, stripped wire from electrical fixtures, and vandalized vehicles."
At least one security officer was being treated for injuries.
Those in custody were being detained at Dodd Hall, where other protesters were outside demanding their release.
Earlier in the afternoon, demonstrators dyed the Shapiro Fountain red and placed fake bloody bodies nearby.
Campus police and security responded to the area, and the Los Angeles Police Department later declared a tactical alert. A line of officers on bicycles positioned themselves feet away from the protesters.
Orders were issued multiple times for the protesters to disperse. LAPD canceled its tactical alert late Monday.
UCLA leadership has been criticized for its handling of protests on campus earlier this year.
On April 30, counterdemonstrators attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment, throwing traffic cones, releasing pepper spray and tearing down barriers. Fighting continued for several hours before police stepped in.
A massive police response dismantled the encampment a day later.
Tent encampments of protesters calling on universities to stop doing business with Israel or companies they say support the war in Gaza have spread across other campuses in Southern California and nationwide this year.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
