Thousands of protestors congregate at Los Angeles City Hall to protest - photo Sunita Sohrabji
Thousands Take to the Streets of Los Angeles to Protest
By Sunita Sohrabji
Los Angeles, California: An estimated 100,000 Angelenos marched the streets surrounding City Hall June 14 to protest the administration’s policies, especially scaled-up immigration enforcement.
The ad-hoc organization No Kings organized more than 2,000 protests across the country on June 14, President Trump’s birthday, Flag Day, and the US Army’s 250th birthday. The President assembled a large, military parade in Washington, DC to commemorate the day.
“Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption,” wrote No Kings on their website.
The protest in downtown Los Angeles was one of the largest people said they had ever seen in the city. Marchers took several routes to congregate at City Hall. American Community Media joined the throngs on West Temple Street.
Though their signs and slogans displayed anger, the demonstrators exuded a celebratory mood as they marched under a clear blue sky, and amid sweltering heat. LA Police surrounded City Hall, while the National Guard and US Marines stood at the periphery of the Federal Building and the District Court House. Trump deployed the National Guard and US Marines in Los Angeles last week, in response to protests at Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers. California Governor Gavin Newsom is suing Trump to get the National Guards and Marines removed. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also objected, saying LAPD is capable of managing the protests against ICE.
There was plenty of theater as well. A mock Batman sat in a replica of a Batmobile to pass out water bottles at Aliso Street, three blocks away from City Hall. Live music and impromptu street performances greeted the marchers at City Hall.
The large protest was peaceful throughout the morning and mid-afternoon. But at about 4 pm, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a “dispersal” order, mandating people to leave City Hall and the surrounding area.
“People in the crowd are throwing rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects. Less lethal has been approved. Less lethal may cause discomfort and pain. It is advised that all persons leave the area,” wrote LAPD in a post on X.
“Less lethal” are green guns used by police to fire bean bag rounds and rubber bullets into crowds. Several media reported that LAPD also used tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Jill — who asked to be identified only by her first name — lives in downtown LA, and watched the police scene unfold from her living room. She told ACoM that as of 7 pm, about 100 police officers were deployed on her block, many carrying green guns.
Downtown LA has been under an 8 pm curfew since June 9… - American Community Media
