USC Pro-Palestinian Protest Sparks Citywide Tactical Alert, Ninety Arrested

During a Pro-Palestinian protest on USC’s campus, LAPD issued a citywide tactical alert due to a “disturbance”. The police department went into this state around 10 p.m., and dozens of patrol vehicles entered the university shortly after. It is unclear whether any arrests were made during the incident. Earlier in the day, peaceful protesters had set up tents in Alumni Park, as reported by SkyFOX’ cameras. However, due to a disruption near University Park Campus, USC’s campus police warned students and staff members to avoid that area until further notice at 7:02 p.m..
As the Pro-Palestinian protests continue spreading across college campuses in Los Angeles, people are advised to steer clear of the University Park Campus since it was closed off with only registered USC personnel granted entry inside its boundaries. LAPD communicated through radio transmission at 6:35 p.m., stating that a Citywide Tactical Alert had been initiated in response to an incident within Southwest Community Police Station’s jurisdiction area. The tactical alert was called off around 10:49 p.m..
USC has experienced several Pro-Palestinian protests this week, resulting in over ninety individuals getting apprehended by campus authorities who disobeyed university safety protocols and vandalized buildings on the premises while ignoring DPS directives repeatedly. In response to these events, USC canceled its main stage graduation ceremony scheduled for May 10th due to out-of-control protests that led to unsafe conditions in Alumni Park where demonstrations were being held.
USC President Carol Folt spoke up on Friday about the recent turmoil that unfolded on her campus after it happened two days prior, following USC’s decision of cancelling a pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s graduation speech ten days ago. Her message was in written form and emphasized longstanding protocols for peaceful protesting at gatherings, protests, and vigils that have been successful throughout the year with cooperation from USC’s community members. Folt also mentioned strict rules against harassment and bullying which will be enforced by campus authorities.