A massive “No Kings” rally opposing President Trump erupted into an alarming scene of chaos in downtown Los Angeles Saturday, as rocks, concrete and “commercial-grade” fireworks were lobbed at officers — as another rally in Portland near an ICE facility was reportedly decared a riot.
What started as a peaceful protest of more than 20,000 people quickly descended into mayhem as demonstrators clashed with the Los Angeles Police Department and other agencies in a cloud of tear gas outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building.
It prompted officials to declare the group and unlawful assembly.
REUTERS
Footage showed cops on horseback charging into the sea of people wielding their batons, as others in gas masks and tactical gear unleashed several rounds of mace and crowd-controls — sending protesters and bystanders scrambling through the streets.
Cops, who arrived at the scene in armored vehicles, said on X that protestors were hurling concrete, rocks, bottles and fireworks at officers trying to disperse the crowd and clear the streets.
Broadway and 3rd St ~ Commercial Grade fireworks are being launched at officers.
— LAPD Central Division (@LAPDCentral) June 15, 2025
The department’s Central Division later said that “commercial grade” fireworks were being launched at responding officers.
“We just wanted to come and support our people and we’re getting tear gassed for it,” Melissa Bran, 28, said while dabbing her red eyes with a wet cloth.
A citywide curfew will take effect at 8 p.m. to control the escalating unrest, which has continued for hours.
Volunteer medics are currently at the scene offering saline solution to those in need.
Some protesters thought the response by police was excessive.
“It was a total 100% over-reaction,” Samantha Edgerton, 37, said.
“We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest.”
