West
USC closes campus 'until further notice' following anti-Israel protest, 93 arrested for trespassing
The University of Southern California announced its campus will remain closed “until further notice” following a large anti-Israel protest on Wednesday that ended with 93 arrested.
The Los Angeles Police Department arrived at campus around 4 p.m. after agitators refused to follow the university’s request to leave the area, Capt. Kelly Muniz said on X, formerly Twitter, Wednesday night.
After hours of clashing with campus police and the LAPD, the protest ended with 93 people arrested for trespassing.
“We haven’t determined if they’re going to be cited out or not. If and when, it is a misdemeanor offense. They are going, and they will be going through the booking process,” Muniz said, adding that the process is “lengthy.”
ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS CONTINUE NATIONWIDE DISRUPTIONS WITH ESCALATIONS AT USC, HARVARD AND COLUMBIA
The University of Southern California closed its campus to unauthorized visitors “until further notice” after a large anti-Israel protest, the “Gaza Solidarity Occupation,” caused clashes with police and resulted in a total of 94 arrests on Wednesday. (Robert Hanashiro/USA TODAY)
Muniz said there was an altercation in a portion of the protest area that resulted in one arrest for assault with a deadly weapon. She did not clarify what the weapon was or give any details on the incident, but said the rest of the agitators in the area dispersed after the arrest.
When asked if anyone was hurt during the demonstration, Muniz said she was not aware of any injuries to agitators or officers.
USC requested the LAPD to come on campus and arrest agitators in a large anti-Israel protest for trespassing after they refused to leave the area. (REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez)
The university announced at 11:58 p.m. that the protest was declared over, but campus would be closed “until further notice.”
“The protest on the UPC has ended. However, the campus remains closed until further notice. Students, faculty, staff, and people with business on campus may enter with proper identification,” USC posted on X.
USC PROTESTS BREAK OUT AFTER ANTI-ISRAEL VALEDICTORIAN’S COMMENCEMENT SPEECH CANCELED OVER SAFETY CONCERNS
The protest, called the “Gaza Solidarity Occupation,” began Wednesday morning and was one of many such demonstrations taking place on college campuses across America.
Los Angeles police arrested 93 people for trespassing and one for assault with a deadly weapon following an anti-Israel protest at USC on Wednesday. (REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez)
In a letter to the campus community Wednesday afternoon, USC Provost Andrew Guzman said while the university supports freedom of expression for students, there are guidelines that must be followed in order for a demonstration to take place.
“We have well-established policies regarding limits on the time, place, and manner of free expression,” Guzman wrote. “These include a prohibition on erecting tents or other encampments, use of loudspeakers, signs on poles or stakes, and the disruption of classes and other essential functions of the university.”
He added that the protest outside of Doheny Library, which is “in the center of academic buildings,” appeared to involve many people who are not affiliated with the university.
Guzman said USC’s guidelines on protests do not allow for “tents or other encampments, use of loudspeakers, signs on poles or stakes, and the disruption of classes and other essential functions of the university.” (REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez)
When the agitators were asked “repeatedly” by security to remove their tents and other prohibited items, and then relocate to a “compliant location,” they refused – ultimately leading the university to contact LAPD for reinforcements.
“Their actions have escalated to include acts of vandalism, defacing campus buildings and structures, as well as physical confrontation that threatens the safety of our officers and campus community,” Guzman wrote.
He said the decision to close the gates to campus to unauthorized visitors “until further notice” was made in an effort to “restrict growth of the protest and keep the rest of the campus calm.” The closure does not affect students, staff or others with proper USC identification.
USC Provost Andrew Guzman said the decision to close campus to unauthorized visitors was made in an effort to “restrict growth of the protest and keep the rest of the campus calm.” (REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez)
Guzman wrapped up the letter by reminding students that USC “reject[s] speech that is hateful and that causes harm to others.”
“In these challenging times, we call on the Trojan Family to remember that every member of our community is deserving of respect, has the right to be safe on campus, take classes, and participate in other campus activities without fear of harassment or bullying. It should be everyone’s priority to treat each other with kindness and care,” he wrote.
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A controversial AT&T cell tower is coming to the San Francisco Diamond Heights neighborhood, despite community pushback.
Daniel Shereck, a resident and member of the Diamond Heights Community Association, helped lead the charge against its construction.
“Their proposal says they’ve got a large brown tower just about 10 stories tall,” Shereck said.
AT&T will install a 104-foot macro cell tower in the heart of the neighborhood, next to the San Francisco police academy, a local playground and nearby homes.
“It’s going to be enormous,” Shereck said.
The city approved the tower, despite opposition from Shereck and members of the Diamond Heights Community Association, who told CBS News Bay Area the tower is an unnecessary eyesore that poses wildfire and pollution risks.
“We’re really just asking AT&T to follow the alternatives that they have done elsewhere,” Shereck said.
But in a tense hearing before the Board of Supervisors, Cami Blackstone, director of external affairs for AT&T, argued there’s a significant need for the tower. She also says there is no evidence of wildfire or health risks, despite residents’ claims.
“I was very dispirited. I’m really concerned about the future of San Francisco,” Shereck said.
Shereck says the neighborhood will try to find some middle ground.
“Given what we can suggest at this point would probably be considering the color of the tower, covering up exposed wires, trying to make the antenna somewhat less obvious in the community,” Shereck said.
Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in LIBRA.
Happy Birthday for Wednesday, April 29, 2026:
You’re confident and determined in your approach to work. You’re reliable, optimistic, incisive and independent. This is a year of learning and teaching. Take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. Explore meditation, prayer or introspection. Study philosophies that give you a better self-awareness of your own potential.
ARIES
(March 21-April 19)
★★★
Today there’s a tendency to jump to conclusions – definitely something to be aware of. In particular, you might experience this when talking with family members, spouses or partners. Take a breath and create some space in the conversation. Go gently. Tonight: Genuinely listen.
TAURUS
(April 20-May 20)
★★★★
Be patient with co-workers today. Likewise, resist the tendency to think something is better than it is. Nevertheless, this is a productive day for you and you can get a lot done, especially privately or working alone behind the scenes. Get busy. Tonight: Get organized.
GEMINI
(May 21-June 20)
★★★
Parents must be patient with their kids today. Likewise, romantic partners must be patient with each other. If you’re involved in social outings and fun escapades (including sports) be careful of excess or going overboard. You might be too quick to jump the gun. Tonight: Socialize!
CANCER
(June 21-July 22)
★★★★
Keep the peace at home today even though dealings with parents and older family members might become challenging. In part, this might be because you’re ambitious and keen to get a lot done. In fact, you want things done your way and won’t hesitate to say so. Tonight: Relax.
LEO
(July 23-Aug. 22)
★★★
On the whole, this is a friendly, upbeat day. Nevertheless, you might get involved in an argument about politics, religion or racial issues. Steer clear of controversy, for your own peace of mind. Instead, enjoy relations with friends and groups. They will be friendly and supportive. Tonight: Learn and discuss.
VIRGO
(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
★★★★
Steer clear of disputes about money and possessions today, because this is basically a pleasant, friendly day. Others might ask for your advice about how to make something look better or be more attractive. Discussions about further education and travel will intrigue you. Tonight: Check your possessions.
LIBRA
(Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★
The Moon is in your sign today at odds with Jupiter and Mars, which can make you jump too quickly in the wrong direction or make an assumption that is off the mark. Be aware of this and refrain from doing so, if you can. Do something different today. This will please you. Tonight: You’re in charge.
SCORPIO
(Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
★★★
You’re very keen to work hard now and accomplish as much as possible. Unfortunately, you need more sleep. Be aware of this and do your best to balance your desire to work with your need for rest. Romance is passionate now. It’s also a favorable time to get favors and money from others. Ka-ching! Tonight: Privacy.
SAGITTARIUS
(Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
★★★
Friendships are important to you today. However, be careful, because today the Moon is challenged by your own ruler Jupiter, which is why you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver, especially to a friend, group or organization. Be sensible. Tonight: Friends.
CAPRICORN
(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
★★★
People notice you today. Be aware of this, especially because some people will know personal details about your private life. Perhaps this is because a public argument might take place. Also be aware that it’s easy to bite off more than you can chew. Don’t volunteer for anything. Tonight: Show respect.
AQUARIUS
(Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
★★★★
Today is full of excitement and high energy. You want to do something different! You want to kick things up a notch. Travel, learning, new places and new faces will satisfy your search for adventure. Steer clear of controversy to avoid arguments. Tonight: Explore and learn.
PISCES
(Feb. 19-March 20)
★★★★
It’s fortunate that you’re particularly skilled with your communications this month because this will allow you to dance delicately around any difficult situation that could turn into an argument, especially about money, shared costs or shared property. Instead, redecorate or entertain at home. Tonight: Check your finances.
BORN TODAY
Actress Michelle Pfeiffer (1958), actress Uma Thurman (1970), actress Kate Mulgrew (1955)
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
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