US campus protests: Hundreds of police enters UCLA, dismantle tent camps, arrest dozens of students

Hundreds of helmeted police swarmed the site of a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of California at Los Angeles, firing flash bangs, arresting defiant demonstrators and dismantling their encampment.(Reuters image)

The pre-dawn police crackdown at UCLA marked the latest flashpoint in mounting tensions after hundreds of helmeted police swarm UCLA's campus, firing flash bangs and arresting demonstrators in a pre-dawn operation.(Reuters image)

Protesters link arms, attempt to block police advance as officers move through the camp, leading to confrontations and arrests. (Reuters image)

Images surfaced which showed police dismantling tents, tearing down barricades, and removing protesters as clashes continue on UCLA's campus.(Reuters image)

President Joe Biden addressed campus unrest, affirming the right to protest but condemning violence. He emphasized peaceful dissent and the need for order, refusing to reconsider Middle East policies. "Dissent is essential to democracy but dissent must never lead to disorder or denying the rights of others so students can't finish the semester and college education," he said. (Reuters image)

UCLA's response draws criticism following a violent clash between protesters and counter-demonstrators, leading to calls for accountability. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block promises a thorough investigation into the incident, acknowledging the severity of the attack on students. (Reuters image)

Columbia University shifts to remote exams amid ongoing protests, reflecting the broader impact of campus activism on academic operations. (Reuters image)

Prior to the crackdown, police issue repeated warnings urging demonstrators to clear the protest zone, setting the stage for the ensuing confrontation. (Reuters image)

Campus demonstrations spark accusations of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred, highlighting the divisive nature of the issue. (Reuters image)

Protester numbers dwindle as arrests are made, with some leaving voluntarily while others are escorted away by law enforcement. (Reuters image)

Emotional pleas from students, some dragged away by police, echo concerns over free speech and the handling of the situation by authorities. (Reuters image)

Muslim organizations and students condemn UCLA's handling of the situation, citing failure to intervene and protect pro-Palestinian demonstrators. (Reuters image)

The clashes at UCLA reflect broader political tensions surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, with calls for action from President Biden. (Reuters image)