Pro-Palestinian protests heat up at USC

A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus’ Alumni Park on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

LOS ANGELES – A pro-Palestinian protest heated up Saturday night at USC as Los Angeles Police Department officers from around the city were placed on alert and the public was urged to avoid the area around the campus.

The warning came late Saturday, according to USC Senior Vice President of Communications Joel Curran.

“Earlier Saturday, campus property — including the Tommy Trojan statue and a fountain in Alumni Park — was vandalized by individuals who are part of the group that has continued to illegally camp on our campus,” Curran said.

“Despite repeated warnings, this group has also continued to disrupt our campus operations and harass students and others, in violation of numerous university policies.

While the university fully supports freedom of expression, these acts of vandalism and harassment are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. President Carol Folt has made numerous attempts to meet with the students but they have declined these offers. We are hoping for a more reasonable response Sunday before we are forced to take further action. This area is needed for commencement set up early this week.”

At 6:35 p.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles Police Department 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.”

At 8:13 p.m., campus police announced, “Due to a disturbance, the University Park Campus is temporarily closed except for residents.”

A photo posted by Jacob Wheeler on X at 8:20 p.m. showed the iconic Tommy Trojan statue with “SAY NO TO GENOCIDE” painted on its base.

About 10:25 p.m., dozens of LAPD vehicles were shown on KCAL rushing to the USC campus and they were seen leaving about a half-hour later.

ABC7 reported the tents were set up again at Alumni Park Saturday.

Only students and staff remain camped out on the campus, ABC7 reported.

Meanwhile, the Undergraduate Student Government Executive Cabinet issued a statement Saturday expressing that they “are deeply disappointed in your administration’s use of force in response to the peaceful encampment on university grounds.”

The statement opposed the mobilization of LAPD officers who arrested 93 people.

“The excessive use of force shook our Trojan Family,” adding “Student expression and assembly is not a disruption — it is woven into the very fabric that creates our vibrant, active and diverse campus community.”

The student government cabinet urged a collaborative relationship withuniversity officials and a role as liaison.

`To students, we stand with  you as you courageously exercise your rights to assembly, free speech and freedom of expression. To the administration, we deserve better,” the statement concluded. (CNS)