Current:Home > MarketsBoard approves more non-lethal weapons for UCLA police after Israel-Hamas war protests -ProWealth Academy
Board approves more non-lethal weapons for UCLA police after Israel-Hamas war protests
View
Date:2025-04-16 15:11:54
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The University of California board of regents approved Thursday additional non-lethal weapons requested by UCLA police, which handled some of the nation’s largest student protests against the Israel-Hamas war.
Clashes between protestors and counter-protestors earlier this year on the campus led to more than a dozen injuries, and more than 200 people were arrested at a demonstration the next day.
The equipment UCLA police requested and the board approved included pepper balls and sponge rounds, projectile launchers and new drones. The board also signed off on equipment purchase requests for the nine other police departments on UC campuses.
Student protesters at the regents meeting were cleared from the room after yelling broke out when the agenda item was presented.
Faculty and students have criticized UCLA police for their use of non-lethal weapons in campus demonstrations, during which some protesters suffered injuries.
During public comment, UCLA student association representative Tommy Contreras said the equipment was used against peaceful protestors and demonstrators.
“I am outraged that the University of California is prioritizing funding for military equipment while slashing resources for education,” Contreras said. “Students, staff and faculty have been hurt by this very equipment used not for safety but to suppress voices.”
California law enforcement agencies are required by state law to submit an annual report on the acquisition and use of weapons characterized as “military equipment.” A UC spokesperson called it a “routine” agenda item not related to any particular incidents.
“The University’s use of this equipment provides UC police officers with non-lethal alternatives to standard-issue firearms, enabling them to de-escalate situations and respond without the use of deadly force,” spokesperson Stett Holbrook said.
Many of the requests are replacements for training equipment, and the drones are for assisting with search and rescue missions, according to Holbrook. The equipment is “not military surplus, nor is it military-grade or designed for military use,” Holbrook said.
UCLA police are requesting 3,000 more pepper balls to add to their inventory of 1,600; 400 more sponge and foam rounds to their inventory of 200; eight more “less lethal” projectile launchers; and three new drones.
The report to the regents said there were no complaints or violations of policy found related to the use of the military equipment in 2023.
History professor Robin D.G. Kelley said he spent an evening with a student in the emergency room after the student was shot in the chest during a June 11 demonstration.
“The trauma center was so concerned about the condition of his heart that they kept him overnight to the next afternoon after running two echocardiograms,” Kelley said the day after the student was injured. “The student was very traumatized.”
UC’s systemwide director of community safety Jody Stiger told the board the weapons were not to be used for crowd control or peaceful protests but “life-threatening circumstances” or violent protests where “campus leadership have deemed the need for law enforcement to utilize force to defend themselves or others.”
veryGood! (22731)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- The Supreme Court ruled that Trump has immunity for official acts. Here's what happens next.
- Small businesses could find filing for bankruptcy more difficult as government program expires
- Le Pen first had success in an ex-mining town. Her message there is now winning over French society
- North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
- Watch crews use fire hoses to remove 12-foot 'angry' alligator from North Carolina road
- Biden to give extended interview to ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos on Friday
- Google falling short of important climate target, cites electricity needs of AI
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- In New York’s Finger Lakes Region, Long-Haul Garbage Trucks Trigger Town Resolutions Against Landfill Expansion
Ranking
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- 'Guiding Light' actor and model Renauld White dies at 80
- Hunter Biden sues Fox News for publishing nude photos, videos of him in 'mock trial' show
- Tennessee enacts law requiring GPS tracking of violent domestic abusers, the first of its kind in U.S.
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- 'Don’t do that to your pets': Video shows police rescue dog left inside hot trailer
- Former Moelis banker seen punching woman is arrested on assault charges
- Jamie Foxx gives new details about mysterious 2023 medical emergency
Recommendation
Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
Dengue fever alert issued in Florida Keys after confirmed cases
Keith Roaring Kitty Gill buys $245 million stake in Chewy
Groom shot in the head by masked gunman during backyard St. Louis wedding
Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
Suki Waterhouse Makes Rare Comment About Bradley Cooper Break Up
In wake of Supreme Court ruling, Biden administration tells doctors to provide emergency abortions
Is Princess Kate attending Wimbledon? Her appearances over the years