Pro-Palestinian demonstrators, estimated to be between 50 and 100 in number at California State University, Los Angeles, barricaded entrances and exits of the student services building, leaving several university employees trapped on Wednesday night.
The incident was captured by Sky5's aerial footage. The protesters, some concealing their identities with face coverings and kaffiyehs, could be seen erecting a blockade using overturned golf carts and picnic tables with umbrellas encircling the building. At one entrance, demonstrators secured themselves to cement columns with chains while another individual discharged a fire extinguisher, possibly over an unsettling paint splatter on the ground.
Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement
MORE NEWS: Tim Walz Grants Pardon to Illegal Immigrant Who Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old Girl [WATCH]
Some of the group had been occupying a part of the university’s campus for about 40 days. It was revealed that the university had early knowledge of the group's intention for a sit-in through an email from the CSU LA Gaza Solidarity Encampment, despite the university's efforts to provide a designated area for peaceful demonstrations.
University spokesperson Erik Frost Hollins expressed disappointment to The Los Angeles Times, emphasizing that the situation took an alarming turn. "Unfortunately, this action went in a different way today," the university stated, as law enforcement presence from the Los Angeles Police Department and campus police showed up by 10 p.m.
This ordeal at Cal State LA closely follows similar pro-Palestinian encampments at universities such as UCLA and USC, underscoring the trend of disruptive and confrontational tactics employed in the name of radical activism.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.
Arrest every one of them and toss their asses in a one way plane to gaza.
If the protesters barricaded people inside why wouldn’t that be considered a hostage situation? All who participated in it should’ve been arrested.