Two pro-Israel activists were recently arrested in connection with a violent clash at UCLA’s pro-Palestinian encampment earlier this year. Adam Tfayli, the student body president of UCLA, announced the arrests on Instagram, revealing that two individuals are facing felony charges with preliminary hearings scheduled. Two others have active warrants for arrest, one on a felony warrant and the other reclassified as a misdemeanor. The statement did not name the individuals, but they were identified by the Daily Bruin as Eyal Shalom and Malachi Joshua Marlan-Librett.
The incident occurred on April 30 when a group of pro-Israel activists, including Shalom and Marlan-Librett, clashed with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, resulting in physical altercations and the use of tear gas. The violence drew national attention and led to the cancellation of classes at UCLA. The arrests come after months of investigation, with the suspects facing charges ranging from assault with a deadly weapon to hate crimes. The incident has sparked legal action, with a federal judge issuing a temporary injunction to protect Jewish students on campus.
The arrests signal a step towards accountability for the violence that occurred and a commitment to student safety on campus. The UCLA community remains vigilant as the legal proceedings unfold.