The Divest From Death Coalition supporters have moved back to Alumni Park from their previous encampment in Founders Park. The following coverage is a compilation of developments Annenberg Media is witnessing.
11:30 p.m.: A statement from Joel Curran, Senior Vice President of Communications shared with Annenberg Media said President Carol Folt has made numerous attempts to meet with students who have declined the offers.
The statement addressed vandalism saying, “Earlier Saturday, campus property – including the Tommy Trojan statue and a fountain in Alumni Park – was vandalized by individuals who are part of the group that has continued to illegally camp on our campus.” The statement also said the university “fully supports freedom of expression,” and the acts of vandalism were “unacceptable” and would not be tolerated.
It continued to state, “We are hoping for a more reasonable response Sunday before we are forced to take further action.”
11:20 p.m.: Facilities Planning and Management (FPM) covered Tommy Trojan statue’s pedestal after protestors spray painted “say no to genocide.”
A city-wide tactical alert was issued by LAPD around 6:30 p.m. which was cancelled just before 11 p.m. Between these hours Annenberg Media witnessed increased police activity around USC campus.
11:08 p.m.: The area is clear of helicopters.
10:53 p.m.: All LAPD cars, around 60, appeared to have left the University Park Campus through the McClintock entrance.
10:39 p.m.: An individual was allegedly arrested at McClintock entrance for trying to hold back a police car, as witnessed by an Annenberg Media reporter at the scene.
10:17 p.m.: Over 50 LAPD vehicles with sirens on, drove down Jefferson St towards the McClintock entrance as witnessed by Annenberg Media. An LAPD helicopter continues to encircle the area.
10:11 p.m.: LAPD vehicles with sirens were seen entering through McCarthy entrance.
9:06 p.m.: LAPD officers have started putting up caution tape next to Seeley G. Mudd building on Downey Way. Officers told Annenberg Media that the space was not being sealed off but being turned into a potential “command post”.
9:00 p.m.: Some Muslim students in the encampment participate in another prayer session.
8:35 p.m.: The organisers of the event alerted the participants of a potential encounter with LAPD and DPS today, asking anyone who wasn’t willing to be arrested to leave the area. The group subsequently started “Free Palestine” chants.
8:30 p.m.: An event that was scheduled to take place at Bovard Auditorium between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. was cancelled due to campus shutdown. Attendees were asked to leave.
8:15 p.m.: An email issued by USC TrojansAlert informed students of the campus being temporarily closed, except for residents.
7:50 p.m.: LAPD officers were seen at Seeley G. Mudd building as multiple DPS vehicles gather at Exposition and Trousdale entrance.
7:35 p.m.: Some Muslim students in the encampment participate in a prayer.
7:02 p.m.: Two DPS officers arrived at the scene and took down an American Flag from a pole next to Alumni Park before leaving. As an LAPD helicopter encircles the area, USC TrojansAlert informed students of the disruption, asking them to avoid the area.
6:45 p.m.: Protesters have completely migrated to Alumni Park.
Community guidelines have been hung up to direct the participants on encampment protocols some of which includes no littering, respecting personal space and not engaging with zionist counter protest. Banners, flags and signs have been hung from trees and poles.
6:23 p.m.: As some of the crowd settles at Alumni Park, preparations to fully move are underway at Founders Park.
5:52 p.m.: As the group moves from Founders Park to encamp at Alumni Park, they chant, “Disclose, divest, we will not stop, we will not rest.”
A counter protestor arrived at the scene and chanted “Free Palestine from Hamas.” The single protestor who did not reveal his identity said, “I am a proud Jew and an unabashed Zionist” when asked for a comment.
5:43 p.m.: Students stayed overnight camping at Founders Park. The crowd has started to pack the tents and other supply to move back to the previous protest location Alumni Park, which has now been cleared since last night’s event.
Saturday, April 27
9:14 p.m.: A DPS vehicle approached the area and an officer from inside the vehicle announced encampment protocols highlighting the protest as a non-permitted event. The vehicle left the scene after the announcement.
8:30 p.m.: While some students keep themselves occupied with poster making, others are handing out snacks and beverages on the premises.
The scene is still clear of LAPD and DPS officers.
8:00 p.m.: At least five sprinklers on the perimeter of Founders Park turn on in an uncoordinated manner, causing disruptions to the students who have been peacefully occupying the area. However, the students have covered the sprinklers with buckets, in effort to protect themselves from the water.
Protestors suggest the incoordination of the sprinklers, a tactic deployed by the administration to disband the protest.
7:10 p.m.: LAPD and DPS officers have left the scene. Protestors continue encampment as more people join.
6:35 p.m.: DPS Chief Lauretta Hill gives a warning to the protestors, “The rules are you can’t have any equipment,” she said over a microphone. There are nearly 20 DPS officers and about 4 DPS cars on Trousdale Pkwy. All non-students are asked to leave before 7 p.m.
6:30 p.m.: Tents are being set up by USC Divest From Death Coalition members and supporters. Encampments are back up on Founder’s back, next to Taper Hall. About 15 tents have been erected and close to 100 students are continuing their occupation chanting “Free Palestine.” Their demands remain the same: “Disclose, Divest, We will not stop, we will not rest.”
The previous encampment location of Alumni Park has been barricaded for an event.
5:20 p.m.: Office of the Senior Vice President for Administration said in an email statement, “Under a longstanding policy at USC to support students preparing for and taking finals, this Saturday, April 27 through Tuesday, April 30 are designated as “quiet days” or “study days.” Final exams take place Wednesday, May 1 through Wednesday, May 8.
During this period, no social events or disruptive activities may take place. [...] Only essential pre-registered guests will be allowed on campus.”
The email cited the USC Student Handbook.
Annenberg Media has concluded coverage for the day. Coverage will be resumed on further developments.
Note: Aditya Thiyag and Malcom Caminero also contributed to these live updates.