An enormous “No Kings” rally opposing President Trump erupted into an alarming scene of chaos in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, as rocks, concrete and “commercial-grade” fireworks had been lobbed at officers only one week after the army was deployed to suppress days of unrest.
What began as a peaceable protest of greater than 20,000 folks shortly descended into mayhem as demonstrators clashed with the Los Angeles Police Division and different companies in a cloud of tear fuel exterior the Edward R. Roybal Federal Constructing. It prompted officers to declare the group and illegal meeting.
Footage confirmed cops on horseback charging into the ocean of individuals wielding their batons, as others in fuel masks and tactical gear unleashed a number of rounds of mace and crowd-controls — sending protesters and bystanders scrambling via the streets.
Cops, who arrived on the scene in armored automobiles, mentioned on X that protestors had been hurling concrete, rocks, bottles and fireworks at officers making an attempt to disperse the group and clear the streets.
The division’s Central Division later mentioned that “commercial grade” fireworks had been being launched at responding officers.
“We just wanted to come and support our people and we’re getting tear gassed for it,” Melissa Bran, 28, mentioned whereas dabbing her pink eyes with a moist material.
A citywide curfew will take impact at 8 p.m. to manage the escalating unrest, which has continued for hours.
Volunteer medics are at the moment on the scene providing saline resolution to these in want.
Some protesters thought the response by police was extreme.
“It was a total 100% over-reaction,” Samantha Edgerton, 37, mentioned.
“We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest.”
With Submit wires.
