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Large police presence on USC campus during protest
Dozens of LAPD patrol vehicles moved onto the USC campus where a large pro-Palestinian protest was underway.
LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Police Department issued a citywide tactical alert Saturday due to a "disturbance" during a pro-Palestinian protest on the campus of USC.
It is unclear what caused the police department to go on tactical alert. Dozens of patrol units were seen entering the campus just after 10 p.m. It is unclear if any arrests were made.
Earlier in the day, images from SkyFOX showed protesters camping in Alumni Park. Several tents were set up. But people said the protest was peaceful.
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Police issue tactical alert at USC campus
During a Pro-Palestinian protest, LAPD issued a citywide tactical alert due a a "disturbance" on the USC campus.
At 6:35 p.m., LAPD broadcast that a Citywide Tactical Alert was issued due to a situation in the area patrolled by the Southwest Community Police Station.
At 7:02 p.m., USC's campus police issued the following alert: "Due to a disruption at the center of UPC, please avoid that part area until further notice."
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Pro-Palestine protests at USC, UCLA: Full coverage
Demonstrations against the Israel-Hamas war continue to spread at college campuses, including in Los Angeles.
People are urged to avoid the University Park Campus. The campus was closed off; only students and faculty were allowed inside.
The tactical event was canceled just before 11 p.m.
Several pro-Palestinian protests were held at USC this week--resulting in the arrest of nearly 100 people. In response to the out-of-control protests, USC canceled the main stage graduation ceremony which was scheduled for May 10.
RELATED:
- USC President responds to 90+ arrests from pro-Palestine protests on campus
- USC cancels main stage commencement ceremony
- USC will not have outside commencement speakers after pulling pro-Palestine valedictorian's speech
USC President Carol Folt said the recent unrest on campus has been heartbreaking.
"This week, Alumni Park became unsafe," Folt said in a message to the USC community Friday. "No one wants to have people arrested on their campus. Ever. But, when long-standing safety policies are flagrantly violated, buildings vandalized, (Department of Public Safety) directives repeatedly ignored, threatening language shouted, people assaulted, and access to critical academic buildings blocked, we must act immediately to protect our community.
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USC President responds to protests
Two days after protests took place on her campus and 10 days after the school decided to cancel a pro-Palestine valedictorian's graduation speech, USC President Carol Folt finally broke her silence... in the form of a lengthy written statement.
"USC has long-standing protocols that allow for peaceful protesting, and we have been working successfully with our community to ensure these rules have been followed at gatherings, protests, and vigils taking place all year. USC also has firm rules regarding harassment and bullying that we will uphold."
The Friday message marked the first public comments by Folt since the university made headlines by barring pro-Palestine valedictorian Asna Tabassum from speaking at the now-canceled commencement ceremony.