California National Guard troops were deployed to the streets of Los Angeles on Sunday to help quell a third day of protests over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement.
This comes as violent clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators have brought chaos to the nation’s second-largest city.
Officers found themselves trapped under an overpass on the 101 Freeway as protesters bombarded them with fiery projectiles and rocks from above while they attempted to extinguish flames that had consumed several highway patrol vehicles.
Authorities deployed rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators marching in opposition to President Trump’s nationwide immigration enforcement operations.
The escalating conflict has ignited a fierce political battle between Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who accused the president of deliberately stoking tensions in the city.
Trump responded with a Truth Social post on Sunday, demanding that both Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass issue apologies for the riots, asserting that participants are not “peaceful protesters” as the officials claimed, but rather “troublemakers and insurrectionists.”
Overwhelmed authorities declared all of Downtown Los Angeles an “unlawful assembly” area and ordered immediate evacuation of anyone in the vicinity.
“Agitators have splintered into and through out the Downtown Area. Residents, businesses and visitors to the Downtown Area should be alert and report any criminal activity,” police announced, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The violence extended beyond Los Angeles, reaching San Francisco where vandals damaged buildings and engaged in violent confrontations with riot police.
San Francisco Police declared gatherings in the city’s financial district “unlawful gatherings,” reporting that rioters injured two officers during the disturbances.
Los Angeles authorities considered implementing a citywide curfew to contain the violence and planned to reassess the necessity of such measures as conditions developed.
Immigration officials, National Guard troops and the LAPD deployed rubber bullets and flash bangs in attempts to control an estimated 6,000 protesters, with 500 Marines remaining ready to join defensive operations.
Police arrested at least 60 rioters on Sunday during skirmishes across Downtown LA, bringing the total arrest count for the chaotic weekend to 89.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reported that demonstrators arrived at protests armed with hammers and cinder blocks, hurling chunks of concrete and large rocks at officers performing their duties.
Asked during a Sunday night news conference whether LA required National Guard assistance, McDonnell stated he would need to “make a reassessment,” adding: “Looking at tonight, you know, this thing has gotten out of control.”
“We are overwhelmed. We had individuals out there shooting commercial grade fireworks at our officers. That can kill ya.”
Many protesters wore masks, directly violating Trump’s “no masks” mandate established for demonstrations.
Trump’s response was immediate and forceful, writing on Truth Social: “’arrest the people in face masks, now!”
In a separate post, Trump added: “Looking really bad in L.A. BRING IN THE TROOPS!”
“Jim McDonnell, the highly respected LAPD Chief, just stated that the protesters are getting very much more aggressive, and that he would ‘have to reassess the situation,’ as it pertains to bringing in the troops. He should, RIGHT NOW!!! Don’t let these thugs get away with this.”
The Daily Mail noted that earlier in the evening, authorities faced significant challenges containing violence on the same stretch of highway.
More than 2,000 protesters took control of northbound and southbound traffic lanes, completely halting motorists as they marched with flags and signs raised overhead.
Stranded motorists received instructions to turn around in efforts to clear the gridlock, while additional rioters assembled on overpasses and entrance ramps.
The freeway briefly reopened before authorities closed it again as demonstrators resumed throwing projectiles from the overpass.
Witnesses reported that demonstrators ignited materials and fired rocks from the overpass, targeting police patrol vehicles as they passed below.
The chaotic scenes followed Trump’s directive to deploy up to 2,000 National Guard troops, with an additional 500 Marines placed on standby, triggering outrage among California officials.
WATCH:
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Author: Jordyn M.
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