Amid the fervent chants and the charged atmosphere of a UCLA demonstration, the case of Edan On, an 18-year-old counter-protestor accused of attacking pro-Palestinian protesters, takes a turn. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has decided not to press felony charges against On due to what they described as insufficient evidence. Instead, the case has been referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office for misdemeanor filing consideration, as reported by DA's news release and corroborated by coverage from CNN.
"Our office has completed a thorough review of the incident involving Mr. Edan On who allegedly assaulted another protestor," District Attorney George Gascón stated. He went on to explain that they could not "establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. On’s conduct directly caused the victim’s injury." Furthermore, there was no evidence of Mr. On working in collaboration with any other individuals or being part of any conspiracy. During what was surely a tumultuous night on April 30, counter-protestors initiated a clash as they attempted to dismantle a barricade, with On reportedly assaulting a victim between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m.
The demonstration, which took place at the UCLA Royce Quad, drew national attention as videos and social media posts began circulating, depicting the violent confrontations. CNN, after a painstaking review of hundreds of hours of video and interviews, identified On as the man donned in a white hoodie, using a pole in the attacks. His mother initially confirmed her son's involvement in a social media post, which she later deleted, and afterward claimed that her son denied being at the university that night. On was eventually arrested on May 23 and released on a $30,000 bail the following day.
The encampment organizers report that at least 25 protesters suffered injuries ranging from fractures to severe lacerations and chemical-induced harm from the night's events. This, as law enforcement stood by for hours while counterprotesters attacked the encampment, corresponding with protests at college campuses nationwide against Israel’s actions in Gaza. On is the first individual facing charges in connection with this violent attack, though the district attorney's office confirms that "one other matter involving the UCLA demonstration has been presented to the office and is currently under review."
As it stands, no further victims or witnesses have come forward to law enforcement regarding crimes involving On. What lies ahead for the young man remains to be discerned by the city attorney's office. The UCLA Police Department, which has been conducting the criminal investigation into the events of April 30, is keeping a close watch as the situation unfolds. For now, the community and those involved wait with bated breath as justice finds its path in the city of angels.
