seniorspectrumnewspaper – On Saturday afternoon, Los Angeles police issued a dispersal order to “No Kings” protesters near the downtown federal building. The crowd had been largely peaceful during the day. However, violence broke out when some protesters began throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and fireworks. The LAPD reported these actions in a post on X. Officers responded by deploying tear gas, smoke, and flash-bang grenades to control the crowd. Several individuals were detained, as shown by aerial footage. The unrest started when the march passed the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. Protesters described the police response as sudden and aggressive. One protester said officers “masked up” without warning, escalating tensions. The L.A. County Sheriff stated that deputies only used less-lethal weapons when attacked or when others faced danger. The sheriff also mentioned protesters threw dangerous items like pyrotechnics and Molotov cocktails at officers.
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Protesters Throw Fireworks and Tear Gas Canisters Back at Police
The LAPD reported that commercial-grade fireworks were hurled at officers as tensions grew. Protesters continued throwing objects even after police pushed them westward toward downtown’s Civic Center. Outside agitators blocked Spring Street south of Temple with fences and other barriers. Video footage from inside L.A. City Hall showed protesters throwing tear gas canisters back toward law enforcement. Police warned people to avoid the area due to the dangerous actions of some protesters. These actions disrupted the earlier peaceful nature of the demonstration. Law enforcement officers faced escalating violence as they tried to maintain order. The situation forced authorities to take aggressive measures to disperse the crowd. Downtown L.A. remained tense throughout the afternoon and evening.
Police Chief and Mayor Condemn Violence, Stress Peaceful Protests
L.A. Police Chief Jim McDonnell expressed disappointment about the violence after a peaceful start. He said agitators began assaulting officers with missiles, rocks, bottles, and fireworks. Chief McDonnell highlighted the high-ground advantage some protesters used against officers. Meanwhile, Mayor Karen Bass reaffirmed the importance of peaceful protests during a morning news conference. She urged protesters not to give the federal government a reason to intervene. Mayor Bass emphasized that the city supports First Amendment rights but will hold violent individuals accountable. The mayor also reminded the public that the downtown curfew remains in effect from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The curfew covers a one-square-mile zone with exceptions for essential activities. Hundreds of additional law enforcement officers were deployed to enforce the curfew after the protest.
“No Kings” Protest: Nationwide Movement Against Trump’s Military Parade
The “No Kings Day of Defiance” protests took place nationwide, including downtown Los Angeles. Tens of thousands joined to oppose President Trump’s military parade scheduled in Washington, D.C. on the same day. The parade honored the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers criticized the parade as a show of staged power. They described their protests as a display of true power rising from communities across America. Hundreds of similar protests happened in cities and towns throughout the country. Organizers claimed that most demonstrations remained peaceful despite isolated violence in some areas. The Los Angeles “No Kings” event attracted about 25,000 participants. Many stayed in the streets well beyond the official event hours. Organizers stressed solidarity, community, and justice as core values of the movement.
Regional Protests Across Southern California Show Broad Participation
Besides downtown L.A., “No Kings” protests occurred in over 20 Southern California neighborhoods and cities. These included Santa Monica, Glendale, Long Beach, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Ventura County, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. Pasadena officials thanked protesters for maintaining peace during their demonstration. Many participants followed safety recommendations and dispersed peacefully after their events. Event organizers reported that the nationwide protests involved more than 5 million people across 2,100 cities and towns. They emphasized that the movement rejects authoritarian rule and supports collective action. Law enforcement maintained a strong presence to ensure public safety throughout the region. The protests demonstrated widespread support for the movement’s message and goals.
