The investigation into last week’s UCLA protests and the clash between pro-Palestine and pro-Israel supporters continues

LOS ANGELES – The investigation into last week’s violent clash between pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA and counter-protesters is ongoing.

The collision occurred late Tuesday evening. At least 15 people were reportedly treated for injuries from the conflict between the two groups.

“I was stabbed with a metal rod by one of the counter-protesters,” Aiden Doyle, a pro-Palestinian protester, said last Friday. “The hammer blow to my leg was also very painful.”

Fireworks and bear spray were used, while some people were beaten by others with sticks.

The Los Angeles Times reports that Los Angeles police are now using facial recognition technology to investigate the violent encounter. Authorities hope to use technology to identify those responsible for some of the violence on the UCLA campus. However, many of those involved in the violence on Tuesday night wore masks.

“They are not hypochondriacs,” said retired LAPD Capt. Paul Vernon. “They wear masks because they don’t want to be identified.”

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Vernon used facial recognition technology to arrest dozens of people in 2009 in connection with riots following the Lakers’ NBA championship victory.

Since then, Vernon says the technology has only improved. Police were able to identify the license plates of cars at UCLA that Tuesday evening using surveillance camera video. In addition, authorities could use mobile phone mapping technology.

Vernon believes the FBI could assist in the investigation.

“I would be really surprised if they didn’t ask the FBI for help using their technology,” Vernon said.

An FBI spokesman issued the following written statement when asked if he was involved in the investigation at UCLA:

“The FBI is in close contact with state and local law enforcement partners and we will share any information regarding potential threats as we do in the normal course of business,” the FBI spokesman said. “We respect the right of individuals to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights, and the FBI investigates individuals who violate federal law through violence or other criminal activity.”

University staff on Tuesday continued to clean buildings and sidewalks where graffiti had been sprayed during the camp-in demonstration.

The University of California announced Tuesday that 21st Century Policing Solutions (21CP) will lead an independent investigation into the actions that led to violence on the UCLA campus. They say 21CP is a “nationally recognized consultant known for his expertise in police reform, content-neutral policing of demonstrations, and helping higher education institutions improve community safety.”

Vernon believes it will be difficult for law enforcement to make arrests in this case for several reasons.

“Even if you identify someone from this counter-demonstrator group and try to prosecute them, many of them will engage in self-defense,” Vernon said. “You’re spinning your wheels for no real reason. Actually, there is a mutual fight here. If one group legally shouldn’t be where it is, who is to say the other isn’t? That’s you. Are you saying they are legally less able to be there?”

So far there have been no arrests in connection with Tuesday’s night of violence.