City Attorney Declines to File Charges Against Most UCLA, USC Campus Protesters

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office announced Friday that it has declined to file charges against hundreds of people arrested in pro-Palestinian and counter protests on the UCLA and USC campuses last year, citing insufficient evidence.

Introduction to the Decision

In a statement, the City Attorney’s Office stated that after reviewing more than 300 arrests from the mass protests in April and May of 2024, criminal cases were declined for most people “for evidentiary reasons or due to a university’s failure or inability to assist in identification or other information needed for prosecution.”

Details of the Charges

Misdemeanor charges were filed against two people, both stemming from alleged actions on the UCLA campus that were “separate and apart from protesting,” although no specifics on their individual actions were provided. Both people were charged with simple battery, while one was also charged with brandishing a deadly weapon other than a firearm. The other person was also charged with false imprisonment and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

Alternative Proceedings

Three other people were referred to a City Attorney Hearing, which is a diversion proceeding designed to be an alternative to prosecution.

Statement from the City Attorney

“After careful consideration, we are filing criminal charges against two individuals and sending three others to City Attorney Hearings,” City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said in a statement. “I want to thank the attorneys in my Criminal Branch for their dedication to the rule of law and their commitment to objectively evaluating the evidence and referrals received on each of these matters.”

Breakdown of Declined Charges

The office declined to file charges stemming from 205 arrests made on May 1 and 5, 2024, at UCLA, along with 40 others made at UCLA on May 6, 2024. It also declined to file any charges stemming from 93 arrests made at an April 24 mass protest at USC.

Publication Information

Originally Published: April 25, 2025 at 10:45 PM PDT

Conclusion

The decision by the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office to decline charges against most of the protesters reflects the complexity of balancing the right to protest with the need to maintain public safety. The action taken against a few individuals highlights the commitment to addressing specific incidents of wrongdoing while acknowledging the broader context of peaceful protest.

FAQs

• Q: How many people were arrested during the protests at UCLA and USC?
  A: More than 300 people were arrested during the mass protests in April and May of 2024.
• Q: Why were charges declined for most of the arrested individuals?
  A: Charges were declined due to insufficient evidence or the universities’ failure to assist in identification or provide necessary information for prosecution.
• Q: What actions were taken against individuals who did face charges?
  A: Two individuals were charged with misdemeanors, including simple battery and other related charges, while three others were referred to City Attorney Hearings.
• Q: What is a City Attorney Hearing?
  A: A City Attorney Hearing is a diversion proceeding that serves as an alternative to prosecution, aiming to address wrongdoing without the full weight of the criminal justice system.