Los Angeles, California – A counterprotester supporting Israel was arrested by UCLA police following accusations of assaulting participants in a pro-Palestinian demonstration on campus. The 18-year-old suspect, who was not a UCLA affiliate, allegedly engaged in violent behavior alongside a group that targeted students, faculty, and staff on April 30.
The UCLA Police Department conducted interviews with witnesses, victims, and analyzed security footage from the protest to identify the individual responsible for the assault. The man, identified as Edan On, was apprehended in Beverly Hills and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon. He is currently held in the Los Angeles County jail on a $30,000 bail. This marks the first arrest of a counterprotester in connection with the incident.
Following the violent altercation on April 30, a group of student journalists from UCLA were also attacked during the protest. This unrest has sparked concerns about campus safety and the handling of protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The campus has been a focal point for demonstrations and clashes between protesters and law enforcement, resulting in over 200 arrests in early May.
The UCLA Police Department affirmed its commitment to investigating all reported acts of violence and is actively seeking out other individuals involved in the disturbances between April 25 and May 2. The ongoing investigations aim to hold all perpetrators accountable for their actions during the protests and counter-protests on campus.
As a response to the security failures during the demonstrations, Campus Police Chief John Thomas was removed from his position and reassigned. Additionally, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block faced scrutiny from members of Congress regarding his handling of complaints related to antisemitism on campus. The university’s actions and law enforcement’s response to the unrest have been under review amidst the escalating tensions and conflicts surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Amidst a wave of university disruptions and protests nationwide, UCLA continues to grapple with the aftermath of the violent altercations and the ongoing investigations into the incidents that transpired on campus. As the community seeks to address the underlying issues that have surfaced during the protests, the university remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals on campus.