University of California President Michael Drake and UCLA Chancellor Gene Block have pledged to investigate the slow response from campus and outside law enforcement agencies during a violent protest that injured at least 15 people, officials said Wednesday, May 1.
In a statement, Drake said he has requested a “detailed accounting from the campus about what transpired” in response to criticism from civil rights groups and the governor’s office over UCLA’s poor handling of the overnight clash between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters.
“Therefore, we are also ordering an independent external review of both UCLA’s planning and actions, and the effectiveness of the mutual aid response,” Drake stated. “Such a review will help us address many immediate questions but also help guide us in possible future events.”
The Federated University Police Officers’ Association, the union representing campus police, laid the blame on UCLA’s administration and welcomed the probe requested by Drake.
“In the University of California system, the Police Departments on each campus are entrusted with the critical responsibility of maintaining law and order,” the union stated. “However, it’s paramount to recognize that when protests erupt on campus, the decisions regarding the response of the UC Police rest firmly in the hands of campus leadership.”
Violence erupted Tuesday just hours after UCLA declared the pro-Palestinian protesters’ days-long encampment “unlawful.” Gathered counter-protesters began firing fireworks at the other side, flashing strobe lights and blaring the amplified sounds of babies crying about 11 p.m., according to social media reports.
First officers retreated
A small group of campus police officers arrived to attempt to control the scene a few minutes later, but they retreated after they, too, were attacked while trying to help an injured person, according to the Daily Bruin, UCLA’s student-run newspaper.
Though UCLA had…
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