3,000 march in downtown L.A. in third night of Anti-Trump protests



LOS ANGELES >> An anti-Trump crowd of protesters estimated at 3,000 marched peacefully through downtown Los Angeles into Westlake and back again early this morning, assembling in Grand Park, but authorities have issued an order to disperse and begun making arrests, according to Los Angeles police.

The demonstrators, in a third night of protests following Donald Trump’s election as President, waved American flags and carried signs reading, “Not My President” and “Election Outrage.” They were followed during their circuitous march by droves of LAPD officers in patrol cars, jail buses and on motorcycles in preparation for any possible trouble.

California Highway Patrol officers positioned themselves at on-ramps to the 101 and 110 freeways to prevent protesters from getting on the freeways, CHP Officer Stephan Brandt said.

LAPD motorcycle officers also lined up in front of the police department’s headquarters to prevent demonstrators from entering the property.

As of midnight, the protesters, whose numbers had dwindled to less than a thousand, moved into Grand Park, across from City Hall, according to LAPD Officer Tony Im.

The LAPD then issued an order to disperse and begun making arrests, Im said. As of midnight, police had taken at least three people into custody, Im added. The charges were unknown at this point.

A large anti-Trump rally and march is scheduled to begin at MacArthur Park at 10 a.m. this morning. Protesters will gather in the Westlake park and march to the downtown federal building.

“Endeavor to facilitate a peaceful and civil First Amendment privilege tonight,” tweeted the LAPD on Friday evening. “We aim to secure public safety in our City of Angels.”

Friday night’s protest was one of many that took place across the country. Protesters also demonstrated in Portland, Oregon where police made many arrests and used flash bang grenades and other less than lethal force to clear the streets. Demonstrations also erupted in New York City, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Louisville, Kentucky and Baltimore.

The LAPD also updated arrest figures from Thursday night’s downtown protests, announcing that 226 people were arrested for blocking a roadway and failure to disperse and that 23 of those arrested were juveniles for curfew violations, said Im.

The officer injured in an assault during Thursday’s demonstrations was released from a hospital, Im said. The suspect was also injured and police said he was arrested.

While most protesters on Thursday were regarded as peaceful by police, officers gave dispersal orders to an aggressive group that refused to budge from the area around Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street around midnight, he said.

Advertisement

The protests prompted Metro to detour some buses off Spring Street.

LAPD Officer Norma Eisenman said there were reports of vandalism and graffiti in downtown but did not specify where.

“We’re here to protect everybody’s right to free speech but not when it impedes everyone else and not when it puts people in harm’s way,” said LAPD Public Information Director Josh Rubenstein.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said the right to free expression is “one of our greatest privileges as Americans,” but added that unlawful, dangerous behavior won’t be tolerated.

On this topic: ( from category )

    Leave feedback

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    *
    *

    12 − seven =

    Top