An investigation is underway into the violent attacks at Royce Quad at UCLA, which the university’s chancellor has called “a truly despicable act.”
In a notice sent to the UCLA community on Monday, UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said identifying those responsible for the violence on campus remains an important priority.
“To that end, inaugural Associate Vice Chancellor and Chief Safety Officer Rick Braziel is leading a law enforcement investigation to identify the perpetrators of the violence and hold them to account,” he wrote.
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“The LAPD has committed a detective to assist in our investigative efforts, and we have also connected with the FBI about possible assistance,” Block said. “We have spoken to Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón to solicit his help in ensuring that the instigators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
A group of what Block calls instigators came to Royce Quad on the night of Tuesday, April 30, and attacked students, faculty and staff members encamped with the Palestinian supporters.
The UCLA Police Department, also known as UCPD, is reviewing surveillance footage for clues.
“Braziel and I have directed UCPD to invest whatever resources are needed to conduct a rapid and thorough investigation into the violent attack,” Block wrote in his notice. “UCPD is currently reviewing all available footage from last Tuesday night and speaking to witnesses who were present. We urge anyone who saw the violence firsthand or who has information about the attack to report it as soon as possible.”
In the wake of the attacks and arrests on campus, a new Office of Campus Safety was created under the direction of Block and is headed by Braziel.
The Office of Campus Safety is reviewing UC Police Department’s response to the attack and conducting an analysis of UCLA’s security protocols. It is assessing all acts of violence that has occurred on campus over the past 12 days. Braziel is expected to create a plan that establishes additional means of protecting students, staff and visitors on campus.
“Holding the instigators of this attack accountable and enhancing our campus safety operations are both critical,” Block wrote. “Our community members can only learn, work and thrive in an environment where they feel secure.”
Two days after the violence, law enforcement moved in to dismantle the encampment.