UCLA finally asks for FBI help — but to investigate pro-Israel supporters

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University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Chancellor Gene Block says the college has contacted the FBI and the LA District Attorney's Office about investigating a group of pro-Israel counter-protesters who allegedly attacked an anti-Israel campus encampment, sparking hours of violent clashes.

Hundreds of anti-Israel agitators set up an encampment on UCLA's campus in Royce Quad last month to demand that the university divest from companies and institutions linked to Israel.

However, early Wednesday morning, a group of about 100 pro-Israel counter-protesters arrived at UCLA's campus and clashed with the anti-Israel agitators there, resulting in fights breaking out and fireworks being shot at encampment demonstrators while other items were also thrown as part of the chaos.

After about three hours without police intervention, Los Angles Mayor Karen Bass ordered the LAPD to cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and break up the protest.

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Now, UCLA has launched an investigation into the pro-Israel group who attacked the unlawful encampment.

"A group of instigators came to Royce Quad and violently attacked students, faculty and staff members who were encamped to advocate for Palestinian rights," Block said in a statement Monday.

"This was a truly despicable act, and in my message to the campus the following day, I committed to finding those responsible and bringing them to justice. This remains an important priority."

He said that the university and its police force are leading the investigation, which involves sifting through security footage from the night and speaking to witnesses who were present. He called on other witnesses to come forward.

The LAPD is also involved in the probe while the FBI has been contacted about assisting too, Block said, although it is unclear what role, if any, the FBI will play. Fox News Digital requested comment from the FBI but did not receive a response prior to publication.

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