43 protesters arrested at UCLA, as school shifts classes to remote for the week

WESTWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- UCLA is shifting all classes this week to remote learning after more protesters were arrested on campus early Monday.

Forty-three protesters were arrested on the third floor of a UCLA parking structure for "conspiracy to commit burglary," authorities said Monday.

Video from the scene showed dozens of people being held with zip ties.

"We demand that they release them from detention or arrest or whatever they want to call it. They are not able to leave, and we are not able as faculty and as their criminal defense attorney, their legal representative, to speak with them right now, and I think that that's outrageous," said Graeme Blair, an associate professor of political science.

Police officials said in fact the group would be released shortly after they are processed.

"The charge as it stands right now is conspiracy to commit burglary, misdemeanor section," said Lt. Richard Davis with UCPD. "What that means is that they'll go with the sheriff, they'll be processed, they'll be cited out and then released."

There was also a sit-in at Moore Hall on campus involving about 50 people.

Shift to remote study

UCLA students are preparing for midterms and had expected to return to campus today. But the school announced classes will be held remotely as the demonstrations continue.

"Remote is a little bit challenging," said UCLA student Allyn Beltran. "Especially right now since we are in midterms so it does affect us a little. But it's not so bad. The professors are still trying to teach us and get us the material covered."

Earlier in the day the school announced that just classes and work at Moore Hall would be remote. But by the afternoon the decision was announced to have all classes held remote for the entire week.

Royce Hall and Powell Library would remain closed for the week.

"Due to ongoing disruption, the campus has returned to limited operational status," the school announced in a BruinAlert. "Therefore, per Senate guidance, classes will move remote May 6-10. Employees who can work remotely should consult with their supervisors. Events and research activities should also go remote or be rescheduled wherever possible."

The school also noted that "law enforcement is stationed around campus to help promote safety."

Protesters also held a sit-in at Dodd Hall, chanting "Free Palestine" according to the student-run newspaper The Daily Bruin.

Investigation launched

This follows a week chaotic week of protests on campus. Last Tuesday there were hours of clashes between opposing groups in the demonstration area before police intervened. The encampment was eventually cleared later in the week and more than 200 arrests were made on Thursday.

The school is also creating a new Office of Campus Safety in response to the demonstrations last week.

Rick Braziel, former police chief of Sacramento, was appointed associate vice chancellor in charge of the new office after the school faced criticism for its inadequate police response as violence broke out at the demonstration site.

On Monday, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block announced that Braziel will launch an investigation into last Tuesday's night of violence.

"Last Tuesday night, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff members who were encamped to advocate for Palestinian rights," Block said in a message to the school community. "This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to the campus the following day, I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice."

The Los Angeles Police Department is helping with the investigation, Block said. The new office will also analyze the campus police response to the clashes.