Protests in Los Angeles Escalate as National Guard Fires Tear Gas and Impact Rounds

Strategic Insights -

Los Angeles, a city already on edge due to the ongoing protests, saw tensions escalate on Sunday as the National Guard, dispatched by President Donald Trump, arrived on the scene. Despite the objections of Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, the Guard fired tear gas and impact rounds to disperse crowds gathered outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, which houses an immigration detention center. The scene was one of chaos and destruction, with protesters throwing concrete, bottles, and other objects at authorities, and police responding with force.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Guard, dispatched by President Trump, arrived in Los Angeles at 6 a.m. Pacific Standard Time to assist with the protests.
  • Tensions escalated at 1 p.m. when authorities lobbed tear gas at the crowd of protesters, leading to clashes.
  • LAPD said people in the crowd were "throwing concrete, bottles and other objects" and that officers had begun making arrests and telling people to disperse.
  • Protesters took over a section of the U.S. 101 freeway at 4 p.m., stopping traffic and prompting a police response.
  • Two people on motorcycles "attempted to breach a skirmish line" at Alameda and Temple streets, hitting two officers and damaging police cars.
  • The LAPD shut down the southbound lanes of the 101 freeway after demonstrators threw objects onto the lanes and damaged multiple police vehicles.
  • At least two cars were set on fire in the middle of the street, as some protesters vandalized other cars nearby.

Statistics:

  • 6 a.m.: National Guard members arrived in Los Angeles.
  • 1 p.m.: Authorities lobbed tear gas at the crowd of protesters.
  • 3:30 p.m.: LAPD issued a dispersal order for the intersection of Alameda and Temple streets.
  • 5:30 p.m.: At least two cars were set on fire.

Sources:

  • A Post reporter filmed a handful of protesters who had begun to gather in front of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building at 10 a.m.
  • LAPD said two people on motorcycles "attempted to breach a skirmish line" at Alameda and Temple streets and hit two officers.
  • Photos and videos show protesters throwing rocks, e-scooters, and other projectiles at police cars that were blocking the lanes on the U.S. 101 freeway at 4 p.m.
  • The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a statement at 3:30 p.m. regarding the clashes and arrests.
  • All time-stamps are in Pacific Standard Time.