Police in the United States have regained control of a lecture hall from pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of California, Irvine. The protesters had occupied the building for several hours before being removed, along with a student encampment that had been in place for over two weeks.
Authorities from approximately 10 law enforcement agencies responded to the campus after university officials requested assistance due to the protesters' occupation of the lecture hall, which was deemed a "violent protest." After about four hours, police successfully cleared both the lecture hall and the plaza where the encampment was located.
As a result, the university announced that all classes would be conducted remotely the following day, and employees were advised not to come to campus.
The demonstration at UC Irvine, situated approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Los Angeles, is part of a broader series of campus protests across the United States concerning Israel's conflict in Gaza. Students have been advocating for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians while urging universities to divest from Israeli interests.
Since its establishment on April 29, the UC Irvine encampment has been a focal point of dialogue between students and university administration. However, Chancellor Howard Gillman stated that despite efforts to find an alternative location through discussions, no agreement was reached. He emphasized that the university will not deviate from enforcing rules against illegal encampments and reiterated its decision not to divest from Israel.
