The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) reported Monday that it has made 50 arrests and discharged over 600 non-lethal rounds in response to escalating protests across the city. Despite the unrest, LAPD officials maintain that they are fully capable of managing the situation and argue that federal military intervention is not only unnecessary but potentially counterproductive.
“The possible arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles—absent clear coordination—presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “Alongside our mutual aid partners, we have decades of experience handling large-scale public demonstrations, and we remain confident in our ability to do so professionally and effectively.”
McDonnell’s remarks follow statements from the Trump administration claiming the city is "out of control." In a post on X, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of 700 active-duty U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, citing increased threats to federal officers and government buildings.
“We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers—even if Governor Gavin Newsom will not,” Hegseth said.
Additionally, the Pentagon confirmed that 2,000 National Guard troops have been ordered to Los Angeles, doubling the previous deployment authorized by President Trump.
LAPD acknowledged that tensions have significantly escalated. On Saturday, 29 individuals were arrested for failing to disperse when ordered. Another 21 arrests were made on Sunday, with charges including attempted murder using a Molotov cocktail and assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer.
Authorities said officers resorted to tear gas and deployed non-lethal munitions to manage what they described as a “hostile crowd.” Among those struck was an Australian journalist covering the demonstrations.
Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized the federal intervention, claiming it has only fueled the unrest. On Monday, his office announced the deployment of an additional 800 state and local law enforcement officers to Los Angeles to help de-escalate confrontations between protesters and federal forces, which the governor said were sent in “illegally.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the governor’s concerns: “While Washington choreographed these chaotic events, the LAPD and local law enforcement continue to respond effectively.”
According to LAPD, at least five officers and five police horses sustained minor injuries during the protests. The department also reported that demonstrators used handheld radios to coordinate their movements and evade law enforcement.
The situation remains volatile as city, state, and federal officials clash over how to restore order in Los Angeles.
Source: usatoday.com
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