UCLA vows to “hold instigators” who attacked Gaza war protesters “accountable” and says the school is working with the LAPD to identify them

In a statement sent to students and faculty on Monday, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block vowed to “hold accountable” the “instigators” of last Tuesday night’s brutal attack on anti-Gaza war protesters at the school’s now-defunct camp.

Block called the violence “a truly despicable act” against “students, faculty and staff who support the rights of Palestinians,” and wrote that Rick Braziel, vice chancellor and chief safety officer at UCLA, was tasked with “making a law to lead”. “Enforcement investigation” to identify the attackers. Block also urged students to disclose any information they may have.

As part of that, Block said, an LAPD detective has been “committed” to assist in the investigation, the school has asked the FBI for possible assistance and has also asked Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón for “assistance in ensuring that the instigators have been secured.” will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Late on Tuesday, April 30, a right-wing mob, which Block had previously confirmed consisted mostly of people who did not attend UCLA, violently attacked the protest camp, often with fireworks, tear gas and whistles. The response of law enforcement — particularly UCLA police and security personnel, but also the LAPD — has been scrutinized. Ultimately, it took more than three hours to put down the attack and the attackers were allowed to leave without being arrested.

The head of the UCLA Police Department is now facing calls to resign.

Block did not address those issues directly, but said in his statement that the school is “conducting an analysis of UCLA’s security protocols and a broader assessment of all acts of violence over the past 12 days, including those against counter-protesters.”

The camp was cleared early Thursday morning by LAPD and California Highway Patrol officers. The school announced Braziel’s new position as chief safety officer on Sunday.

Read the full letter below:

Last Tuesday evening, a group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff who had set up camp to advocate for Palestinian rights. This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to campus the next day I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice.

This remains an important priority. To that end, First Deputy Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them accountable. The LAPD has retained a detective to assist with our investigative efforts, and we have also contacted the FBI about possible assistance. We spoke with Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to ask for his help in ensuring that the instigators are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

AVC Braziel and I have directed UCPD to invest all necessary resources to conduct a rapid and thorough investigation into the violent attack. UCPD is currently reviewing all available footage from last Tuesday evening and speaking with witnesses present. We urge anyone who saw the violence firsthand or has information about the attack to report it as soon as possible.

Our new Office of Campus Safety – led by AVC Braziel – is also conducting a thorough review of UCPD’s response to Tuesday night’s attack. Additionally, we are conducting an analysis of UCLA’s security protocols and a broader assessment of all acts of violence over the past 12 days, including those against counter-protesters. AVC Braziel’s office will develop a plan that implements key findings and additional measures to protect the well-being of everyone on our campus.

It is critical to hold the perpetrators of this attack accountable and improve our security measures on campus. Our community members can only learn, work and thrive in an environment where they feel safe.