Protests have broken out at colleges and universities across the country in connection with the war in Gaza.
Many pro-Palestinian protesters are calling for their colleges to divest of funds from Israeli military operations, while some Jewish students on the campuses have called the protests antisemitic and said they are scared for their safety.
The student protests -- some of which have turned into around-the-clock encampments -- have erupted throughout the nation following arrests and student removals at Columbia University in New York City. Students at schools including Yale University, New York University, Harvard University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California and more have launched protests.
UCLA officials 'sickened' by violence on campus, chancellor says
As groups of counter-protesters clashed with Pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the UCLA campus early Wednesday, a university official said staff were “sickened” by the violence.
“Horrific acts of violence occurred at the encampment tonight and we immediately called law enforcement for mutual aid support,” Mary Osaka, a vice chancellor, said in a statement.
Counter-protesters stand near an encampment of protesters in support of Palestinians in Gaza on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles on May 1, 2024.
David Swanson/Reuters
Protesters stand near an encampment in support of Palestinians in Gaza on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles on May 1, 2024.
Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images
Osaka aded that the fire department and medical responders were near the scene.
"We are sickened by this senseless violence and it must end,” she said.
-ABC News’ Bonnie Mclean and Kevin Shalvey
May 01, 2024, 6:05 AM EDT
At least 100 arrested at 2 NY campuses, NYPD says
The New York Police Department made at least 100 arrests overnight, with most at Columbia University. Arrests were also made at City College of New York, officials said.
Many of those taken into custody are still being processed at police headquarters.
-ABC News’ Aaron Katersky
May 01, 2024, 5:32 AM EDT
Protesters clash on UCLA campus, LAPD responds
Clashes between opposing groups of protesters at the University of California Los Angeles included "multiple acts of violence," prompting university officials to ask police to enter the campus, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
Officers responded to assist campus police "to restore order and maintain public safety," the LAPD said.
A pro-Palestinian demonstrator is beaten by counter protesters attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment set up on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles as clashes erupt, in Los Angeles on May 1, 2024.
Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images
State and local politicians said they were monitoring the situation, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass calling the violence "absolutely abhorrent and inexcusable."
Counter-protesters attempt to move a barricade amidst clashes with protesters in support of Palestinians in Gaza at an encampment on the campus of the University of California Los Angeles on May 1, 2024.
David Swanson/Reuters
Gov. Gavin Newsom said his office had been in contact with law enforcement leadership.
-ABC News' Bonnie Mclean, Amanda Morris and Kevin Shalvey
May 01, 2024, 2:38 AM EDT
Police confront CUNY protesters, arrest 25, university says
At least 25 people were arrested at CUNY's City College of New York campus as police confronted protesters early Wednesday, the university said in a statement.
Pro-Palestinian supporters climb a fence during demonstrations at The City College Of New York as the NYPD cracks down on protest camps at both Columbia University and CCNY on April 30, 2024, in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
University officials said they asked the New York Police Department for assistance in clearing protesters, including a "large crowd" of people who had marched from Columbia University to City College.
The school described a "series of violent indents" that it said put public safety at risk over the last six days.
"This includes a fire Sunday night at the Marshak Science Building caused by use of a flare gun that brought FDNY to campus, clashes with public safety, an attempted break-in at Shepard Hall tonight, and a break-in at the Administration Building tonight that included the vandalizing of offices and smashing glass doors," the university said in a press release early Wednesday.
Police entered the campus just before midnight and began making arrests, the university said.
Pro-Palestinian supporters confront police during demonstrations at The City College Of New York as the NYPD cracks down on protest camps at both Columbia University and CCNY on April 30, 2024 in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
"Students have a right to demonstrate peacefully and exercise their First Amendment rights," the university said. "Tonight's actions were taken in response to specific and repeated acts of violence and vandalism, not in response to peaceful protest"