The University of Southern California has made the decision to keep its campus closed 'until further notice' after a significant anti-Israel protest took place on Wednesday, resulting in the arrest of 93 individuals. The protest escalated to a point where the Los Angeles Police Department had to intervene around 4 p.m. due to agitators refusing to comply with the university's request to vacate the area.
According to Capt. Kelly Muniz, who provided updates on social media, the situation involved clashes between the protesters and both campus police and the LAPD. The protest culminated in the arrest of 93 individuals for trespassing. Muniz mentioned that the fate of those arrested is yet to be determined, as they may face misdemeanor charges and will undergo the booking process, which she described as lengthy.
During the protest, an altercation occurred in a specific section of the demonstration, leading to one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. Details regarding the weapon used were not disclosed, but Muniz confirmed that the remaining agitators dispersed following this arrest. When questioned about injuries sustained during the demonstration, Muniz stated that she was not aware of any injuries to either the agitators or law enforcement officers.
At almost midnight, the university officially declared the protest to be over, but the campus closure remains in effect until further notice. The decision to keep the campus closed underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need to ensure the safety and security of all individuals on campus.
