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A CNN reporter cut his live report short on Wednesday after hewas surroundedby anti-Israel protesters at the University of Southern California (USC).
During a trip to Los Angeles, CNN National Correspondent Nick Watt admitted the atmosphere was getting “unpleasant” and said people in the crowd were attempting to “intimidate” his news crew.
Watt tried to continue his reportasone protester filmed him and interrupted the shot.
“Show your face,” Watt said to the individual wearing a face covering. “Show your face. Show your face. Why are you scared to show your face?”
CNN National Correspondent Nick Watt urged one protester who interrupted his live shot to show their face. (CNN/Screenshot)
Watt then resumed his report and said the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) was invited onto campus by USC as the temperature of the protests rose. The police told the demonstrators they had 10 minutes to disperse. Some chose not to and began linking arms. Theywere soon arrested.
The CNN reporter appeared flustered as protesters in the background began shoutingandone person tried to wave a Palestinian flag in front of the camera.
“Anyway, I think we should probably go because it’s getting a little nasty here,” Watt said. “More than 50 people arrested. You know, back to you guys, we need to go.”
The camerathenreturned to the studio, where CNN anchor Laura Coates said she could hear the commotion and urged Watt to stay safe.
USC announced its campus will remain closed “until further notice” following thelargeanti-Israel protest on Wednesday.
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY MOVES TO HYBRID LEARNING ON MAIN CAMPUS AMID ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS
A man is detained as USC Safety officers try to disperse students who protest in support of Palestinians at the University of Southern California’s Alumni Park. (REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez)
After hours of clashing with campus police and the LAPD, the protest ended with 93 people arrested for trespassing.
In a letter to the campus community Wednesday afternoon, USC Provost Andrew Guzman said while the university supports freedom of expression for students,there are guidelines thatmustbe followedin orderfora demonstration totake place.
“[Protester] actions have escalated to include acts of vandalism, defacing campus buildings and structures, as well as physical confrontation that threatens the safety of our officers and campus community,” Guzman wrote.
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He said the decision to close thegates to campusto unauthorized visitors “until further notice” was madein an effortto “restrict growth of the protest and keep the rest of the campus calm.” The closure does not affect students, staff or others with proper USC identification.
Guzmanwrapped upthe letter by reminding students that USC “reject[s] speech that is hateful and that causes harm to others.”
USCdid not immediatelyreturn Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News’ Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
Nikolas Lanum is an associate editor for Fox News Digital.
