Police Crack Down on Protesters in Downtown Los Angeles

Strategic Insights -

Several hundred protesters gathered outside the downtown Federal Building late Saturday afternoon, separate from a local "No Kings" event. The protest was a response to immigration raids at area businesses and in neighborhoods. Police began shooting stun grenades and rubber bullets before turning to tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least six people were injured, with blood gushing down one man's face and another man carried off on a makeshift stretcher. Organizers of the local "No Kings" rally had encouraged protesters to get home safely, citing their safety as a top priority.

Key Takeaways:

  • Police used stun grenades, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse a crowd of several hundred protesters outside the downtown Federal Building.
  • At least six people were injured, with blood gushing down one man's face and another man carried off on a makeshift stretcher.
  • The protest was a response to immigration raids at area businesses and in neighborhoods.
  • Organizers of the local "No Kings" rally encouraged protesters to get home safely, citing their safety as a top priority.
  • Police Chief Jim McDonnell claimed that officers had "taken rocks, bottles, missiles" from protesters, prompting the dispersal order.
  • Part of downtown is under an 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew designation issued by Mayor Karen Bass, with violators subject to arrest.

Statistics:

  • At least six people were injured.
  • Police began using tear gas at 5:08 p.m.
  • The curfew designation issued by Mayor Karen Bass is in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Sources:

  • (Los Angeles Police Department)
  • (Los Angeles NBC affiliate)
  • (Text message from organizers of the local "No Kings" rally)
  • (Tweet from Mayor Karen Bass)