The Los Angeles Police Department is expected on Sunday to announce the number of people arrested after protesters threw chunks of concrete at federal officers in downtown Los Angeles after thousands gathered nearby for a “No Kings” day demonstration.
At least two people suspected of assaulting officers Saturday were arrested, federal officials told CBS2. They also told the station at least two officers were hit by concrete chunks and required medical care.
The Los Angeles Police Department’s incident commander declared a citywide tactical alert around 5:10 p.m. Saturday after a group of demonstrators started kicking a fence in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center at Alameda and Temple streets. Demonstrators were ordered to leave the area.
“Protesters on Alameda between Aliso and Temple have been warned multiple times by Federal Authorities to not attempt to tear down the gate and not throw items,” a post on an LAPD social media account said.
“Federal authorities are using non-lethal measures to move crowd back.”
Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, which includes Los Angeles County, wrote on social media, “To those who were smashing concrete blocks and throwing them at our officers, we have you on video. We will find you and arrest you too. You’ve been warned.”
Earlier, Essayli had written, “My office has authorized immediate arrests for anyone assaulting law enforcement. You will be arrested and charged with a federal felony.”
Video from the scene showed LAPD officers on foot and horseback lining up to push protesters away from the location. Photos showed tear gas in use.
Around 7:25 p.m., the department posted on social media, “multiple arrests being made.” A police spokesman said it would likely not have exact numbers until Sunday.
The tactical alert was canceled at 8:03 p.m.
A tactical alert allows the department to keep officers on duty past the end of their scheduled shifts.
Obscene graffiti criticizing Immigration and Customs Enforcement was painted on walls near the Metropolitan Detention Center. There was also graffiti saying “Kill Your Local ICE Agent” and “Free Palestine.”
The downtown No Kings Day rally at Gloria Molina Grand Park across from City Hall began around 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by a march at 3 p.m., part of a nationwide day of protests against the Trump administration.
The protest was peaceful until the late afternoon.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the LAPD had urged participants to keep the demonstrations peaceful and lawful.
“Peaceful protest is our constitutional right,” Bass wrote on social media. “When people come together to make their voices heard, that is democracy in action. Please stay safe and look out for one another.”
The LAPD posted the following on social media: “The Los Angeles Police Department fully supports the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can express themselves safely. We ask those that choose to assemble to do so in a manner that is lawful, safe and responsible.”
In anticipation of the crowds, Caltrans crews Friday placed security gates along on- and off-ramps to the 101 Freeway in the downtown area.
During previous No Kings protests in downtown L.A., some participants moved onto freeway lanes, temporarily blocking traffic. Streets were also blocked in the Civic Center area, including sections of Broadway and Spring Street.