Berenecea Johnson Eanes : Pro-Palestinian Protesters Cause Damage at Cal State LA – WFTV

LOS ANGELES — (AP) — Demonstrators protesting Israel’s military actions in Gaza occupied and vandalized a building at California State University, Los Angeles, while the campus president was inside. The incident occurred on Wednesday, but ended without any arrests, according to university spokesperson Erik Frost Hollins.

The multistory Student Services Building was barricaded by protesters at 4 p.m., trapping university President Berenecea Johnson Eanes and several other employees. Most of the 58 employees managed to leave by 6 p.m., with a group of administrators, including Eanes, staying until after midnight to handle the situation. However, the spokesperson did not disclose whether the president engaged with the demonstrators.

Following the incident, Eanes released a statement expressing her disappointment and anger over the destruction and theft that took place. She stated that the encampment, which had been on campus for 40 days, had crossed a line with its actions and must now vacate the premises.

While there were no reported arrests or injuries, some employees and a student reported being assaulted. Eanes confirmed that these incidents were being handled by law enforcement. As a result of the protest, the university announced that all main campus classes and operations would be conducted remotely until further notice.

Images from the scene depicted graffiti on the building, furniture blocking entrances, and overturned golf carts and picnic tables strewn across the plaza. Frost Hollins described the damage as significant, affecting both the interior and exterior of the building.

The CSULA Gaza Solidarity Encampment, a group that had set up camp near the campus gym for over a month, sent an email indicating their involvement in the sit-in at the building, according to Hollins.