Large sword seized at UCLA campus amid pro-Palestine/Israel clashes

Police confiscated a large sword during protests on UCLA’s campus that saw demonstrators from both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel factions clash. A video shared by Sean Beckner-Carmitchel showed the moment when police questioned a man walking his dog, while one officer picked up the weapon off the ground on Monday afternoon. The individual was subsequently detained after officers discovered the sword. Thankfully, no injuries were reported as a result of this discovery.
The protests have been ongoing for five days and have led to counter-demonstrations from individuals with opposing viewpoints (pro-Israel) as well as people without any affiliation whatsoever with UCLA. The protesters had erected an encampment in Royce quad, which has since been surrounded by metal fencing and security personnel who are not employed by the university. These events began following demands made to Chancellor Gene Block and University of California President Janet Napolitano from Justice for Palestine (JFP) activists calling on UCLA to divest funds set aside for Israel’s use.
In a statement issued last Friday, Vice-Chancellor Scott Waugh explained that the university was following systemwide policy guidance and would only request law enforcement involvement if absolutely necessary in order to protect students from harm. The school has also taken steps to inform members of its community about the protests so they can avoid the area should they wish. Student affairs representatives have been stationed near Royce quad, where demonstrators are camping out, with instructions to direct individuals away and provide assistance as needed.