Following an illegal encampment formed by anti-Israel agitators at the University of California, Los Angeles, law enforcement officers were called in to clear the protesters from the campus. The protesters, who had defied orders to voluntarily leave, shouted antisemitic slogans and resisted arrest, throwing objects at the enforcement officers. Despite the numerous crimes witnessed, including destruction of property, trespassing, assault, and battery against police officers, Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarrett believes the rioters will likely not be held accountable due to Los Angeles’ district attorney George Gascón’s progressive policies, which prioritize opening jailhouse doors rather than prosecution.
UCLA issued a warning to the agitators, stating that they “could” face consequences for failing to comply with orders to vacate the encampment. While the university did not definitively identify a punishment, it mentioned that sanctions could include disciplinary measures such as interim suspension and dismissal for students who choose to remain in the encampment. Despite the successful clearing of the campus by law enforcement officers, Jarrett expressed doubt that the agitators will face any lasting consequences, as they are likely to be back on the streets within a few hours due to Gascón’s lenient policies.
In response to the ongoing safety concerns stemming from the anti-Israel demonstration, UCLA canceled classes on Wednesday and shifted to remote learning on Thursday and Friday. Campus operations were limited for the rest of the week, with Geffen Academy, Lab School, and Early Care and Education remaining closed on Thursday. The protesters had called for UCLA to divest its affiliations with Israel and entities benefiting from Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, leading to heightened tensions and disruption on campus.
Jarrett commended law enforcement officers for their efforts in clearing the encampment and restoring order to the UCLA campus. However, he emphasized that the agitators are unlikely to face prosecution for their actions, citing Gascón’s progressive policies that prioritize reducing incarceration rates over holding offenders accountable for their crimes. Despite the destructive behavior and resistance to law enforcement observed during the protest, Jarrett believes that the rioters will be released back onto the streets shortly after their arrest, with little to no consequences for their actions.
The incident at UCLA sparked concerns about the resurgence of antisemitism and a lack of accountability for those engaging in illegal and violent activities on university campuses. The protesters’ disruptive behavior and threats to safety led to the cancellation of classes and a shift to remote learning, impacting students and staff. UCLA’s response, along with the lack of definitive punishment outlined for the agitators, has raised questions about the university’s ability to address and prevent similar incidents in the future, as well as highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in holding individuals accountable under lenient policies.
