UCLA’s chancellor Monday evening outlined actions the school has taken following mob violence against protesters on campus last week.
Chancellor Gene Block said university police would work with the LAPD and the county attorney to identify and prosecute “to the fullest extent of the law” those who attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment. The university “also contacted the FBI regarding possible assistance,” Block said in a statement.
Shortly before midnight Tuesday, a large group arrived on the Westwood campus, some wearing masks. Some members of the crowd – seen live on television and online – used plastic pipes and boards to beat pro-Palestinian protesters. As people inside used pepper spray and attempted to defend the perimeter of the site, the attackers attempted to tear down barricades and throw objects. Fireworks were set off in the camp.
“It was a truly despicable act,” Block said Monday.
The violence went unchecked for several hours before dozens of officers from the California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Police and other agencies arrived — a slow response that sparked widespread consternation and scrutiny.
Rick Braziel, UCLA’s newly appointed associate vice chancellor and chief security officer, will lead “the investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them accountable,” Block said.
The chancellor said Braziel would also conduct “a careful review” of the UCLA Police Department’s response to the attack, as well as “an analysis of UCLA security protocols and a broader assessment of all acts of violence that have occurred over the past 12 days, including those against counter-protesters.
The chancellor said the Los Angeles Police Department had “hired a detective to assist us in our investigative efforts, and we have also contacted the FBI regarding possible assistance.”
School officials also “spoke to Los Angeles County.” Atty. George Gascón,” he said, “to seek his help so that the instigators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Block said the UCLA Police Department was instructed to “invest all necessary resources to conduct a prompt and thorough investigation.”
Campus police are currently reviewing video of the incident and interviewing witnesses, he said.
“We urge anyone who witnessed the violence or has information about the attack to report it as soon as possible,” Block said.
The FBI said in a statement to the Times that it was “in close contact with state and local law enforcement partners.” The agency added: “We respect the right of individuals to peacefully exercise their 1st Amendment rights and the FBI investigates individuals who violate federal law through violence or other criminal activity. »
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