Protesters Become Criminals — The Masked Faces of Lawlessness
When pro-Palestinian protesters erected encampments at two of Los Angeles’ most prestigious college campuses last year, the weeks-long demonstrations ended in dozens of arrests at USC and hundreds more at UCLA.
Law enforcement promised swift action against those who broke the law. But late last month, Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced that after all the chaos, destruction, and violence, only two — yes, two — out of nearly 350 people arrested would face charges.
This decision is a slap in the face to law-abiding citizens and a dangerous precedent for future protests.
Jewish groups and the Trump administration have blasted USC and UCLA for allowing antisemitism to run rampant on campus. Jewish individuals have filed lawsuits against UCLA and pro-Palestinian groups. And yet, despite all the damage and disruption, the city attorney has done nothing.
Feldstein Soto’s decision to charge only two individuals has left everyone frustrated. In a statement, she had the audacity to thank her prosecutors for their “dedication to the rule of law” and their “commitment to objectively evaluating the evidence.”
Masked Protesters: A Sign of Lawlessness
It’s clear now — the line between protester and criminal is being completely blurred. And the growing trend of masked protesters is the biggest red flag.
What’s happening at UCLA is proof: protesters, regardless of what they do, are hiding behind masks to avoid any and all accountability. And they know exactly what they’re doing.
More and more, we’re seeing these so-called protesters hiding behind masks. This isn’t about privacy or safety — it’s a deliberate strategy. They’re using masks as shields, giving them the freedom to break laws, destroy property, and incite chaos without fear of being caught.
It’s not a fashion choice; it’s a calculated move to avoid the consequences of their criminal behavior.
What we’re witnessing is straight-up lawlessness. They’re hiding behind their faces as they commit crimes, disrupt campus life, and evade justice. And the message is clear: they believe they can get away with it. They know they can.
While Los Angeles doesn’t currently have a law that bans mask-wearing during protests, other cities in California, like Oakland, have ordinances that make it illegal to wear masks in public when it’s intended to conceal the wearer’s identity — with limited exceptions. Los Angeles may not have this law yet, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a growing issue, and one that needs to be addressed.
And don’t forget, California has considered statewide legislation to make it illegal to wear masks during public demonstrations. While it hasn’t passed yet, the fact that it’s even on the table shows how seriously the state views this issue — because masks in protests aren’t just a personal choice; they are a way for criminals to get away with breaking the law.
The Time for Real Consequences Is Now
The message is loud and clear: lawlessness is being tolerated, and it’s time for it to end. These aren’t just protesters — they are criminals hiding behind masks, committing crimes, and thinking they can get away with it.
It’s time for the government to step up and show that lawlessness will not be tolerated. We need real consequences for those who break the law on any campus across the country.
