Clashes erupted between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian groups at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
For nearly a week, a pro-Palestinian encampment occupied the main plaza, barring access to students and the public and allowing their own security.
On Tuesday night, roughly 100 pro-Israel counter-protesters stormed the encampment, sparking battles.
NOW at UCLA: Pro-Israel protesters just tore down the metal barricades and began ripping flags off the encampment. They trying to break in the encampment to fight people. pic.twitter.com/C5uVAEZuoh
— Joey Scott (@joeyneverjoe) May 1, 2024
Fireworks and tear gas were used by both sides. The clashes came after videos showed pro-Palestinian activists denying access to students, including Jewish students.
While UCLA finally warned the encampment was unlawful, law enforcement only intervened after pro-Israel protesters arrived, separating the two sides.
The violence underscored tensions that had been building for days between the opposing groups on campus.
