LAPD Issues Citywide Tactical Alert As Protests Re-Ignite At USC

LOS ANGELES, CA — Access to USC's main campus remains restricted to students, faculty and staff Sunday as the pro-Palestinian protest that was dismantled last week returned in full force over the weekend.

The re-installation of the Divest From Death Coalition encampment along USC's Alumi Park prompted the response of more than 60 Los Angeles police cars and the temporary issuance of a citywide tactical alert, citing unspecified "disturbances' on campus and urging the public to avoid the area.

Late Saturday, video on social media showed a young woman using red spray paint to write the words "say no to genocide" on the base of the school's iconic Tommy Trojan statue. At about 11:30 p.m., workers from the university's Facilities Planning and Management department covered the graffiti by placing a tarp over the statue's pedestal.

Meanwhile, Joel Curran, USC's Senior Vice President of Communications, characterized the ongoing demonstrations as "illegal."

"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 in a statement to the Daily Trojan student newspaper.. "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."

A brief timeline of other developments at USC Saturday included:

• 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 [main campus], 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."
• At 8:20 p.m., a photo posted by Jacob Wheeler on X showing the defaced Tommy Trojan statue.
• At 10:25 p.m., dozens of LAPD vehicles were shown on KCAL rushing to the USC campus they were seen leaving about a half-hour later.

Also Saturday, the Undergraduate Student Government Executive Cabinet issued a statement saying 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 Wednesday. "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 leaders urged a collaborative relationship with university officials and a role as liaison.

"To [the] 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.

City News Service