LAPD issues city-wide tactical alert as pro-Palestinian protests continue at USC

Posted: Apr 27, 2024 / 08:00 PM PDT

Updated: Apr 27, 2024 / 10:17 PM PDT

The Los Angeles Police Department issued a city-wide tactical alert in response to a disturbance at the University of Southern California campus Saturday night.

The school issued a statement at 8:15 p.m. saying the University Park campus was temporarily closed to everyone except for residents.

A growing number of protestors continued to increase the size of the encampment, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators are voicing their opposition to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Protestors are calling for a ceasefire after roughly 34,000 people have been killed, according to Gaza's Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Much of the campus was on lockdown, with the LAPD enforcing the closure to non-residents. KTLA 5's Chris Wolfe received reports that there was some vandalism at the school on Saturday.

USC has seen increased tensions in recent weeks due to pro-Palestinian protests in response to the war in Gaza. A group called the People's City Council used social media to call for protestors to continue to arrive on the campus.

On April 15, USC canceled its Class of 2024 valedictorian's speech due to safety issues after pro-Israel groups accused her of being antisemitic. Asna Tabassum was scheduled to speak at the commencement but has since been told that USC will not allow her to do so due to safety concerns.

• A social media post from a group called the People's City Council calls for protestors to continue to arrive at the University of the Southern California. The pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued on April 27, 2024. (X)
• A social media post from a group called the People's City Council calls for protestors to continue to arrive at the University of the Southern California. The pro-Palestinian demonstrations continued on April 27, 2024. (X)
• Campus safety officers try to confiscate tents from pro-Palestinian demonstrators at USC on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
• Group of protestors leaving USC's campus and continuing to march down surrounding streets on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• Group of protestors leaving USC's campus and continuing to march down surrounding streets on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• Dozens of demonstrators being detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian protest at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• Police in riot gear dispersing pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
• A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus' Alumni Park on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
• A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus' Alumni Park on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
• Asna Tabassum, USC's 2024 valedictorian seen in a personal photo. (Asna Tabassum)
• Hundreds of students and community members marched through USC's campus in support of Asna Tabassum's right to speak on April 18, 2024. (KTLA)
• Asna Tabassum, USC's 2024 valedictorian seen in a personal photo. (Asna Tabassum)

Nearly 100 protestors were arrested at USC on April 25 in relation to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The school elected to cancel its main graduation ceremony due to safety issues because of the increased protests.

Colleges across the country have seen increased tensions as students and protestors continue to voice their concerns with the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and are demanding a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.