The University of California, Los Angeles, faced criticism for its handling of a violent attack on a pro-Palestinian encampment by counterprotesters. Despite pleas for help from students and bystanders, security officers did not intervene for hours. The extent of the failure became apparent as witnesses described the chaotic night of violence. The university, the L.A.P.D., and an outside consultant hired to investigate the response have declined to comment pending an inquiry. The review found no clear signs of coordinated attack planning, and it appeared that security officers were caught off guard and lacked sufficient authority to halt the escalating violence. The University's reluctance to involve law enforcement preemptively and the lack of preparedness from the police were highlighted. The incident has been viewed as a hate crime, and questions have been raised about the delay in arresting the attackers. This led to criticism from students and protesters over the university's prioritization of protecting non-students over its own student community.