Authorities in Los Angeles deployed tear gas near a federal detention center and made dozens of arrests following one of thousands of “No Kings” rallies held this weekend across the United States and in Europe to protest President Donald Trump’s actions and the war in Iran.
Los Angeles police reported that 74 people were arrested for failing to heed a dispersal order given after Saturday’s rally ended. Additionally, one individual was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a dagger.
Despite the arrests, the majority of protests remained peaceful. Organizers estimated that there were more than 3,100 events across all 50 states.
As protesters surrounded a federal complex in downtown Los Angeles, some engaged in violent behavior, throwing rocks, bottles, and chunks of concrete at officers, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Two officers received medical attention after being struck by concrete blocks, as tensions escalated following the dispersal order. Witnesses described police using tear gas to disperse crowds that failed to comply.
Andre Andrews Jr., an independent journalist and veteran, documented the rally and noted that some protesters retaliated by throwing back the gas canisters. While he acknowledged that some individuals caused trouble, he emphasized the largely peaceful nature of the protest itself.
“Does it make L.A. look bad? No. They’re bad actors causing problems, for sure,” Andrews said. “The peaceful protest was good for the cause.”
Police confirmed the arrests included eight juveniles, and a woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty was also detained. Meanwhile, other U.S. cities reported similar incidents, with Denver police declaring an unlawful assembly after protesters blocked streets.
Nationwide, demonstrations spanned from New York City to small towns, including a notable event in Minnesota headlined by Bruce Springsteen, symbolizing resistance to Trump’s immigration policies.
Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, reported that the rallies attracted unprecedented numbers, claiming at least 8 million participants nationwide. “It was powerful. It was historic. It was joyful. It was boisterous,” Levin stated.
