Police officials at the University of California, Los Angeles, revealed that more than 40 pro-Palestinian protesters, arrested earlier this week, were found in possession of tools and materials believed to be intended for occupying a campus building.
The arrests, which took place in a parking garage, involved individuals carrying metal pipes, bolt cutters, super glue, padlocks, and a long chain, as disclosed by the U.C.L.A. Police Department. Additionally, they were found with literature including “The Do-It-Yourself Occupation Guide” and the “De-Arrest Primer.”
Among those arrested were 35 U.C.L.A. students, with four individuals facing repeat charges from a previous incident on May 2 when the police dismantled a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus.
While some detainees, including two local journalists, were later released without charges, Sean Beckner-Carmitchel, one of the journalists, criticized his arrest as unjust, emphasizing his role as a bystander filming the events.
The “Do-It-Yourself Occupation Guide,” recovered as evidence, offers strategies for bypassing security systems and securing buildings, notably updated in response to recent student occupations across the country.
According to the police, the detained individuals were linked to a demonstration inside Moore Hall, where plans to occupy the building were allegedly underway. Another guide seized during the arrests, “Fight to Win: Protest Tactics and Staying Safe,” provides insights into police tactics and protest safety measures.
The incident at U.C.L.A. echoes similar confrontations at other universities, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators have occupied buildings and clashed with law enforcement. Despite initially tolerating the encampment, U.C.L.A. administrators declared it illegal after several days, prompting the eventual dismantling of the protest site.
The escalation of tensions underscores the complexities surrounding campus protests and law enforcement responses, raising questions about freedom of expression, safety, and the balance between security measures and civil liberties.