Rep. Omar Grills UCLA Chancellor on Handling of Pro-Palestinian Encampment Clashes

Rep. Ilhan Omar fiercely questioned UCLA Chancellor Gene Block over his response to a violent clash between pro- and anti-Israel demonstrators on campus. Omar criticized Block for allegedly allowing the violence to escalate, including an incident where rats were reportedly released into a pro-Gaza encampment.

"You could have prevented this by protecting these students' First Amendment right to assemble," Omar stated. She further accused Block of failing to act when threats and harassment were reported, and when disturbing footage was displayed by counter-protesters. Omar’s intense scrutiny reflects broader concerns about campus safety and free speech.

This hearing comes shortly after Omar endorsed a broader support for pro-Palestinian demonstrations across universities, with her own daughter being arrested during similar protests at Columbia University. The hearing also saw other university leaders being questioned about their handling of related incidents and the support for displaced Palestinian students.