A man caused a disturbance at Los Angeles City Hall on Friday afternoon by driving onto the building’s steps and barricading himself inside a vehicle while allegedly holding an oxygen tank, which led to evacuations, street closures, and a response from SWAT teams.
The incident commenced around 4:08 p.m. when officers from the LAPD Security Services Division arrived after receiving reports of a suspicious vehicle parked on the sidewalk along Spring Street, between First and Temple, as stated by Public Information Director Jen Forkish.
The driver, identified as a middle-aged male, allegedly ignored multiple requests from the police to exit the vehicle.
Additional resources from the LAPD, including SWAT, were summoned to facilitate communication and encourage the man to cooperate, Forkish noted.
The police urged the community to avoid the vicinity “out of an abundance of caution.”
Following extensive negotiations with crisis intervention specialists, the man was ultimately taken into custody, as reported by KTLA-TV.
The LAPD had previously confirmed that the vehicle was positioned on the City Hall steps located near Broadway and that the individual was in possession of what appeared to be an oxygen tank.
Two handwritten signs could be seen on the dashboard of the vehicle.
One sign stated, “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body,” and another claimed, “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET,” according to the police.
City Hall employees and individuals in the nearby areas, including Grand Park, were evacuated, while streets surrounding the civic center were cordoned off as the situation developed.
Mayor Karen Bass mentioned she was receiving ongoing updates.
“I’m being kept informed about the ongoing situation outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated as a precaution,” Bass stated on X.
“I appreciate all first responders present at the scene — my office will continuously monitor developments.”
Aerial visuals from local news helicopters revealed the vehicle positioned at the top of the steps, surrounded by law enforcement officers.
Authorities indicated there were no indications of weapons or explosives within the car, and no injuries were reported.
The identity of the driver and the reason for his actions have yet to be disclosed by the LAPD.
