University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Police Department has issued a citywide tactical alert in response to a disturbance on the University of Southern California campus Saturday night.
The school issued a statement at 8:15 p.m. that the University Park campus was temporarily closed to all but residents.
Details of the disruption are scarce, but the campus has seen heightened tensions in recent weeks due to pro-Palestinian protests in response to the war in Gaza. There is no information to confirm whether the current disturbance is related to the demonstrations.
On April 15, the U.S.C Cancelled Class of 2024 valedictorian's speech due to security concerns after pro-Israel groups accused him of being anti-Semitic. Asna Tapas was also initially scheduled to speak, but was told USC would not allow her to do so due to security concerns.
Campus security officers attempt to confiscate tents from pro-Palestinian demonstrators at USC on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, CA. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
A group of protesters leave USC's campus on April 24, 2024, continuing to march through the surrounding streets. (KTLA)
A group of protesters leave USC's campus on April 24, 2024, continuing to march through the surrounding streets. (KTLA)
Dozens of demonstrators were detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
Dozens of demonstrators were detained and arrested during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at USC on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
Riot police disperse pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators at the University of Southern California on April 24, 2024. (KTLA)
A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian sit-in at the campus' Alumni Park, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian protest at the campus' Alumni Park, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Asna Tabassum, USC's 2024 valedictorian (according to Tabassum)
On April 18, 2024, hundreds of students and community members marched on USC's campus in support of the right to free speech. (KTLA)
Asna Tabassum, USC's 2024 valedictorian (according to Tabassum)
On April 25, nearly 100 protesters were arrested at USC in connection with pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The school opted to cancel its main graduation ceremony due to security concerns due to mounting protests.
Colleges across the country have seen heightened tensions as students and protesters continue to voice their concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza and demand a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.
