LOS ANGELES, California – After a violent assault on UCLA’s campus that left students hospitalized and community members in fear, Chancellor Gene Block has finally broken his silence. The attack, which lasted for hours on the night of April 30 and the early hours of May 1, targeted students at the Palestine Solidarity Encampment, resulting in beatings, bear spray assaults, and fireworks being thrown into the camp. The violence escalated as the assailants tried to break into the encampment, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to authorize the Los Angeles Police Department’s intervention at 1:00 a.m.
The delayed response from both UCPD and UCLA administration drew widespread criticism, with reports indicating conflicting accounts of the number of students hospitalized due to the attack. Chancellor Block’s statement condemned the violent assault on the students advocating for Palestinian rights at the encampment. He expressed a commitment to identifying and holding the perpetrators accountable for their actions, emphasizing the importance of justice in such cases.
In response to the incident, Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to pinpoint those responsible for the violence. The LAPD and FBI have been contacted for assistance, and discussions with the Los Angeles County District Attorney aim to ensure full prosecution. UCPD has been instructed to allocate necessary resources for a thorough investigation, including reviewing available footage and interviewing witnesses present during the attack.
Furthermore, the newly established Office of Campus Safety, overseen by AVC Braziel, will evaluate UCPD’s response to the assault and reexamine UCLA’s security protocols. This assessment seeks to enhance campus safety measures and address all forms of violence within the community, emphasizing the importance of protecting every individual on campus. Chancellor Block reiterated the significance of accountability and safety in fostering a secure environment where students and faculty can thrive.
As the investigation unfolds, the UCLA community remains on edge, awaiting concrete actions to address the traumatic events that unfolded in the Palestine Solidarity Encampment. The pursuit of justice and the enhancement of campus safety procedures are critical steps towards ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all members of the UCLA community.