LAPD cracks down on student protests for Gaza

After hours stationed by the Downey Way Entrance, dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers in riot gear marched into campus at around 5:30 p.m., armed with 40-millimeter less-lethal launchers, sponge batons and zip ties.

At the same time, Department of Public Safety Chief Lauretta Hill made her way to Alumni Park in a patrol car, which officers parked in front of protesters, to announce that DPS would soon begin arresting demonstrators for trespassing. Another officer warned participating students they were subject to expulsion or suspension.

“This is private property,” Hill told demonstrators. “We are requesting people at Alumni Park and adjacent to Alumni Park to leave. You have 10 minutes to leave the park.”

By the end of the demonstration, Los Angeles Police Department Headquarters reported 93 arrests and no injuries. As most protesters face a trespassing misdemeanor offense, the department has not decided whether they will be cited or booked, Captain Kelly Muniz said in a press conference Wednesday night. There was one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon.