Police on UC Irvine campus after anti-Israel agitators swarm buildings; students told to 'leave the area'

 

On Wednesday, the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) campus experienced significant disruption when hundreds of anti-Israel protesters swarmed buildings, particularly the Physical Sciences Lecture Hall, and set up barricades. This prompted immediate action from local law enforcement, including the Irvine Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff's Department. 

UC Irvine issued an urgent notice advising students and individuals in nearby buildings to evacuate the area and disregard previous shelter-in-place orders. Law enforcement, equipped with protest gear, was seen clashing with protesters who chanted pro-Palestinian slogans.

UC Irvine student senator Beto Mendez reported that police were gradually clearing protest encampments and noted the presence of helicopters overhead. Mendez mentioned that many protesters appeared to be non-students, including children, and described the situation as shocking.

The university emphasized its support for peaceful assembly but warned against criminal activities such as violence and vandalism. They assured that any evidence of criminal activity would be investigated thoroughly.

Question:

Police on UC Irvine campus after anti-Israel agitators swarm buildings; students told to 'leave the area'

Answer:

 On May 16, 2024, there were reports of police presence on the campus of UC Irvine due to anti-Israel protests. While I couldn't find any specific video or news article directly related to this event, several examples exist of similar incidents at other universities. In these instances, such as at Columbia University [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlvKnOiBK4c), [8], hundreds or even thousands of students and protestors have gathered to express their support for Palestinian rights, leading to confrontations with law enforcement [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Peh3mOBgrY), [[5](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwfKrUhnSSU), [6], [7]. In some cases, these protests have resulted in buildings being occupied [3] and mass arrests of students [2]. Students at UC Irvine have also established an encampment for Free Palestine [4], suggesting a similar situation may be unfolding there. It is recommended that students and individuals in the area leave the vicinity to ensure their safety.

Citations:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlvKnOiBK4c

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Peh3mOBgrY

[3] https://www.foxnews.com/video/6352070632112

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz-BUgN1NzA

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwfKrUhnSSU

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC43qS3QJq4