UCLA Protesters Unmasked: LAPD's Controversial Intervention
UCLA Protesters Unmasked by LAPD
Police Intervention at UCLA
On Thursday night, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) moved onto the UCLA campus to dismantle illegal encampments set up by protestors. As they made arrests, officers removed the face masks of those detained, revealing their identities to the cameras. The use of COVID-19 masks has become a common tactic among these protestors, not only for health reasons but also as a means to conceal their identities while communicating their political affiliations.
Footage of Arrests
Footage from the scene showed LAPD officers unmasking the protestors after arresting them. Some of those arrested attempted to hide their faces from the cameras. The first protestor shown in the footage had previously complained about the lack of police protection, despite advocating for the abolition of the police force.
Protestors' Claims
One protestor made a series of claims, asserting that UCLA is founded on colonialism, and criticizing its alleged involvement in foreign wars, Zionism, and police brutality against people of color. These statements and the behavior of the protestors led some observers to liken their behavior to that of a cult.
Police Action and Consequences
As the police moved in to clear the encampment, the situation escalated. Over 200 arrests were made. Some local residents assisted the police in breaching the encampment, leading to them being labeled as "Zionists" and "terrorists" by the protestors. At one point, an officer removed and discarded a Palestinian flag, which further incensed the protestors.
Cleanup and Aftermath
The aftermath of the protest left the campus in a state of disarray, prompting questions about who would be responsible for the cleanup. The situation has highlighted the ongoing tension between the protestors and the authorities.
Final Thoughts
This situation raises important questions about the role and tactics of both protestors and law enforcement. What do you think about the LAPD's approach to unmasking the protestors? How do you view the claims and actions of the protestors themselves? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. And remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.