Anti-Israel demonstrators reportedly infiltrate California State University, Los Angeles, while employees remain within the structure.
Around 50 to 100 protesters blocked exits and surrounded the building at Cal State, Los Angeles, according to university spokesperson Erik Frost Hollins. He also instructed employees on upper floors to take shelter. A few staff members decided to stay there overnight to handle the situation, reports the Los Angeles Times.
According to these protesters, they're not holding anyone hostage; instead, they don't want people inside the building. A demonstrator spoke to KABC about this, claiming, "This is not a hostage situation."
The protesters' frustration escalated as university officials sent a message about the encampments, reiterating what was said 20 days earlier. This information was shared with KABC by one of the demonstrators.
Videos taken by KABC show protesters moving furniture on the first floor, with signs on windows and plywood covered in graffiti with phrases like "The time to escalate is now!" and "CSU stop funding genocide."
The president's office, which is located in the Student Services Building, is where the university president, Berenecea Johnson Eanes, is currently staying. KABC confirmed this information.
The LAPD was called by the university for help, as reported by KCAL/KCBS. Law enforcement are developing a plan while also increasing their presence on campus. However, they've not yet revealed any tactical details.
These actions from the protesters at Cal State, Los Angeles, followed the arrest of 27 pro-Palestinian individuals at UCLA on Monday, which police deemed unlawful encampments. This information was given by CNN.
This story is still in development and will be updated.
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The protesters expressed their intention to stay until their demands are met, stating that they are "us" who are peaceful and not holding anyone hostage. The university administration, recognizing the situation, reached out to the LAPD for assistance, acknowledging that "us" are causing disruptions on campus.
