Tensions rise during pro-Palestinian protest on UC Irvine campus

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) — A pro-Palestinian demonstration at the University of Irvine intensified Wednesday afternoon as hundreds of law enforcement officers intervened to disperse the demonstrators.

Protesters gathered around the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall around 2:30 p.m., where an encampment — similar to those seen on college campuses across the country — has been in place for weeks.

According to UCI, protesters barricaded the building and “invaded the campus.” AIR7 HD was above the scene and captured hundreds of officers and deputies in riot gear as they confronted the protesters, sparking a tense moment between the two groups.

At one point, protesters began stacking tents on top of each other to block the building. Shortly after, officers arrived and began dismantling these tents, one by one.

No injuries or arrests were reported.

The UC Irvine Students for Palestine Justice group and the UCI Divestment Coalition said one of the main points of Wednesday’s protest was to demand that UCl drop the suspensions. students linked to the camp and “to demand that the UCI put an end to its complicity in the genocide”.

In a statement Monday, UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman said the university “cannot selectively waive our anti-encampment rules (or other relevant policies) for this situation and not for others.” other situations. Such selective application is illegal.

The statement goes on to say: “Additionally, a decision to abandon enforcement of our policies would effectively allow any group of people – campus affiliated or otherwise – to come to campus and set up an encampment to for any reason, without consequences. Setting such a precedent would create continued threats to the safety of our community and our ability to do our important work.

Meanwhile, classes were canceled for the remainder of the day and all classes and staff were advised to work remotely on Thursday.

The university is urging people to stay away from campus as the protest continues.