UCLA's Chancellor Gene Block pledged to hold those responsible for the brutal attack on anti-Gaza war protesters at the school's encampment accountable. This was conveyed in a statement to students and faculty on Monday.
Block condemned the violence against those advocating for Palestinian rights, and assigned Rick Braziel to lead a law enforcement investigation to identify the attackers. He also called on students to share any information they may have.
Block mentioned that the LAPD has assigned a detective to assist with the investigation, and the school has also reached out to the FBI and LA County District Attorney for possible help in prosecuting the instigators to the fullest extent of the law.
On Tuesday, April 30, a group attacked the protest encampment with fireworks, tear gas, and piped, which UCLA reported to be largely comprised of non-UCLA individuals. It took over three hours to stop the attack, and the attackers were allowed to leave without being arrested. The UCLA police and security, as well as the LAPD, are under heavy scrutiny for their response to the attack. The attackers were able to leave without being arrested, sparking calls for the UCLA police chief to step down.
There are now demands for the UCLA police chief to resign. Block's statement did not directly address these issues, but he mentioned that the school is conducting an analysis of security protocols and assessing all acts of violence over the last 12 days..
The encampment was cleared out early Thursday morning with the help of LAPD and California Highway Patrol officers. The school announced Braziel's new role as Chief Safety Officer.
Read the full letter below: The encampment was removed early Thursday morning with the assistance of LAPD and California Highway Patrol officers. Braziel has been appointed as the new Chief Safety Officer. on Sunday.
Read the full letter below:
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. 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. This is still a top priority. Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to find and hold those responsible for the violence accountable. The LAPD is helping with the investigation, and the school has also engaged with the FBI for potential assistance. They have also reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney to ensure that the instigators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Braziel and I have told UCPD to use all necessary resources to quickly and thoroughly investigate the violent attack. UCPD is currently reviewing all available footage from last Tuesday night and speaking to witnesses who were present. We encourage anyone who witnessed the violence or has information about the attack to come forward.
as soon as possible.
Our new Office of Campus Safety, led by AVC Braziel, is carefully reviewing UCPD's response to the attack on Tuesday night. Additionally, we are evaluating UCLA's security procedures and examining all incidents of violence over the past 12 days, including those involving counter-protestors. AVC Braziel's team will develop a plan incorporating key findings and additional measures to ensure the safety of everyone on our campus. report it Holding those responsible for the attack accountable and improving our campus safety operations are both crucial. Our community members can only learn, work, and thrive in an environment where they feel safe.
The school is also conducting a thorough review of the response to the attack and examining all acts of violence related to the Gaza war protests.
Holding the instigators of this attack accountable and enhancing our campus safety operations are both critical. Our community members can only learn, work and thrive in an environment where they feel secure.
