During a chaotic weekend protest in Los Angeles, participants of the ‘No Kings’ movement reportedly threw bottles at two police horses and injured an officer, according to the LAPD. The demonstration, which began on Saturday morning at Grand Park, attracted thousands protesting against President Donald Trump’s policies as part of a nationwide event.
As the day progressed, the protest in downtown LA descended into chaos, turning violent as aggressors targeted police officers and horses. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell commented on the situation, stating, “As the day progressed, a small group within the larger demonstration engaged in violent assaults on police, acts of vandalism, and other unlawful behavior.”
An LAPD official with knowledge of the incident confirmed that glass bottles were thrown at the two horses, causing minor injuries that were treated. This incident follows a previous injury of an LAPD horse during a Dodgers celebration in November.
Social media videos showed a protestor attempting to block a horse with his body, resulting in him being kicked multiple times. The officer injured during the protests suffered a fall, resulting in minor cuts and bruises that required no medical treatment.
According to LAPD reports, three crime reports were filed for assault with a deadly weapon against officers. Protesters, many masked and advocating anti-ICE, anti-war, and pro-Palestine causes, shouted insults at police through megaphones.
Chief McDonnell noted that the peak of the unrest took place near the Federal Metropolitan Detention Center on Alameda Street. Protestors vandalized a fence and broke a concrete bollard into pieces, which they then threw at federal agents.
Authorities issued initial warnings to the protestors, who responded by throwing pink smoke bombs, wood, and water over fences. Following further warnings, officers deployed tear gas and began making arrests. Demonstrators tried to climb the fence to access the federal facility, with one protestor throwing a blue smoke bomb at federal personnel.
LAPD officers, both on the ground and in helicopters, responded to federal authorities’ requests for assistance, ordering the crowd to disperse. The protestors’ refusal to comply triggered a citywide “tactical alert,” a measure used by the LAPD during significant emergencies or civil unrest.
During this alert, all on-duty officers are retained beyond their shifts, with only urgent and critical service calls being prioritized.
LAPD teams worked to disband the crowd, containing a group on Alameda Street and making mass arrests. Some demonstrators fled onto the MTA rail line, while others hurled objects at officers near Alameda and Temple Streets.
In total, the LAPD arrested 72 individuals, including 63 adults and eight youths charged with failing to disperse. One adult faced charges for possessing a dagger.
Chief McDonnell reiterated the LAPD’s commitment to safeguarding peaceful protests but emphasized that violence would not be tolerated. “We must protect people’s ability to speak, gather, and advocate,” said McDonnell. “There is no place for violence, property destruction, and attacks on community members or officers.”
