Midnight Raid: Police Clear USC Encampment of Pro-Palestinian Protesters
Under the cloak of darkness at 4 a.m. on Sunday, law enforcement officers descended upon Alumni Park at the University of Southern California (USC), swiftly dispersing a group of pro-Palestinian protesters.
The demonstrators had established their presence on the campus, pitching tents and erecting banners against the backdrop of a private university. As many as 100 protesters had gathered, expressing their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
The university’s social media channels issued urgent alerts, warning students and staff to steer clear of the campus due to “activity.” The message was stark and unequivocal: “If you are in the center of campus, please leave. People who don’t leave will be arrested.”
Student journalists who had been observing the encampment since the early hours of the morning attested to its peaceful nature. However, their presence was cut short as authorities cordoned off the area and gently escorted the journalists away, eventually clearing the encampment.
USC had made the unusual decision to close its campus the previous week owing to a “disturbance.” The institution’s graduation ceremony, originally scheduled for the site, was abruptly canceled only to be reinstated as a “celebration” to be held at the Los Angeles Coliseum on May 9.
Details regarding arrests or the number of demonstrators present remain uncertain. The LA News Center will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
