A group of protesters at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is suing local police after they allege officers shot them with rubber bullets during a violent confrontation with a pro-Israel mob in April 2024. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims police used excessive force against demonstrators advocating for Palestine, resulting in serious injuries and psychological trauma, including one student requiring surgery after being shot in the hand.
Witnesses report that police allowed a prolonged attack against the protesters, which included harassment and chemical agents, before intervening with rubber bullets. Over 700 police officers from various agencies surrounded the protests, and the plaintiffs argue their actions violated state law protecting protesters’ rights. The suit not only seeks accountability for the police actions but also highlights broader concerns about the chilling effect such violent responses have on First Amendment rights, raising critical questions about the safety of students protesting on campus.
Read full story at theintercept.com
