LAPD Faces Backlash Over Violent Protest Response

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LAPD officers engage with protesters amidst escalating tensions.

News Summary

The Los Angeles Police Department is under fire for its aggressive tactics during the ‘No Kings Day’ protest in Downtown Los Angeles. Initial reports indicate that police used tear gas and less-lethal projectiles on protesters, resulting in numerous injuries and allegations of excessive force. Witnesses and activists have condemned the LAPD’s actions, sparking calls for legal action and an internal review of the department’s crowd control strategies. The situation raises critical concerns regarding police treatment of demonstrators and the media, particularly as federal scrutiny increases.

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is facing significant backlash following its violent response to the “No Kings Day” protest on June 14, 2025, in Downtown Los Angeles. Protesters reported severe injuries and violent confrontations with police, raising serious concerns regarding the use of excessive force during the demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The protest, which began peacefully, rapidly escalated into chaos as police employed tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and “less-lethal” projectiles against demonstrators. Witnesses described a scene where police actions led to dozens of injuries among protesters, media members, and innocent bystanders alike. Among them was a protester who used the alias Marty, who claimed to have experienced similar violent police responses in other protests before but characterized the LAPD’s tactics as the most aggressive.

Marty, while searching for an injured friend, encountered a young man suffering from a serious head injury allegedly caused by police actions. She assisted multiple injured individuals while navigating a chaotic environment that included rubber bullets and tear gas. Furthermore, she sustained injuries herself when hit by a hard-foam projectile, leading to significant medical issues that affected her daily life.

In total, reports indicate that over 80 complaints of LAPD officer misconduct are currently under investigation, with a considerable number describing excessive force against protesters. Civil rights advocates and press freedom organizations have condemned the LAPD’s methods as heavy-handed, contributing to multiple lawsuits aimed at seeking legal remedies for the injuries incurred during the protests.

The LAPD defended its approach, stating that the situation remained peaceful until mid-afternoon when some protesters allegedly began throwing objects at officers. However, witnesses contended that the police response was indiscriminate and overly aggressive, diverging from responses to protests seen elsewhere in the United States and internationally.

To address the ongoing concerns, an internal review has been initiated within the LAPD to analyze the use of less-lethal projectiles and other crowd control strategies. Furthermore, a federal judge recently issued a restraining order against the LAPD, prohibiting the use of these munitions against journalists covering public demonstrations, highlighting the significant concerns around the treatment of the press during such events.

This legal action was driven by numerous instances where police forces appeared to target journalists, indicating a vital need for protective measures ensuring press freedom during public discussions and demonstrations. As these situations unfold, the LAPD chief has pledged to investigate the allegations thoroughly while defending the department’s necessity for certain crowd control measures in response to the perceived threat from some protesters.

In summary, the LAPD’s response to the “No Kings Day” protest has sparked intensified scrutiny and raised alarm over the department’s use of force against demonstrators and the media. As multiple lawsuits and complaints continue to emerge, the implications for police practices in the future hang in the balance.