Los Angeles, California – UCLA police arrested a pro-Israel counterprotester in connection to a violent attack on a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. The arrest of 18-year-old Edan On marks the first such arrest made in relation to the incident. On was taken into custody in Beverly Hills and booked on suspicion of felony assault with a deadly weapon, with bail set at $30,000.
According to authorities, On was identified as one of the attackers by CNN last week, although he is not a student at UCLA but a local high-school senior. His mother initially confirmed his involvement in the attack, proudly stating on Facebook that he had gone to intimidate Palestinian students at the tents on campus. The violent act, which involved On using a pole to beat a pro-Palestinian protester, sparked outrage and scrutiny of the university and the police.
The incident led to questions about the response of campus security and law enforcement, as counterprotesters were allowed to set off fireworks and assault students without intervention for hours. The chancellor of UCLA, Gene Block, was criticized by Rep. Ilhan Omar during a congressional hearing for the handling of the violence on campus. Following the attack, an independent review of the university’s actions and law enforcement’s response was initiated.
Supporters of the pro-Palestinian movement had been vocal in their criticism of the lack of arrests of counterprotesters involved in the violence. With On’s arrest, it is possible that more individuals may face legal consequences for their actions during the incident. The aftermath of the attack has brought attention to the importance of upholding safety and security on college campuses and the responsibility of authorities to prevent and address acts of violence.