USC Protesters Arrested As Police Declare Unlawful Assembly At Encampment
An encampment of pro-Palestinian protesters at the University of Southern California was ordered to disperse this evening by Los Angeles police, who declared an unlawful assembly.
Those not obeying were arrested, and some members of the crowd who left were seen blocking traffic on nearby streets. Reports indicate at least 30 protesters were taken into custody.
More from Deadline
USC's Reggie Bush Gets Heisman Trophy Reinstated After 14 Years
USC Releases Outside Commencement Speakers From Scheduled Appearances
USC Cancels Pro-Palestinian Valedictorian's Speech Over Safety
Police in riot gear arrived in the early evening after a day of protest at USC’s Alumni Park. The authorities created a skirmish line as dozens of other protesters are refusing to leave on Wednesday night.
The USC protests add to similar actions at Columbia University in New York and the University of Texas at Austin, among others, as college students have staged sit-ins and other activities to protest the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The USC protesters, including students and off-campus participants, erected banners and pitched tents in Alumni Park early in the morning. Their actions come in the wake of USC barring a pro-Palestinian valedictorian from addressing the main graduation at the school.
School officials ultimately closed campus today by about 1:45 p.m., allowing only students to enter.
A dispersal order was issued and Los Angeles police officers arrived on campus around 5 p.m. Officers dressed in riot gear began dispersing the gathered crowds.
Best of Deadline
2024 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming
'Wednesday' Season 2: Everything We Know About The Cast, Premiere Date & More
Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries
Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.