A group of masked individuals disrupted a popular farmers’ market in Los Angeles over the weekend, capturing their intimidating actions on video.
On Sunday, five unknown men were seen walking through the Larchmont Village Farmers Market, reportedly intimidating women, children, and teenagers while using pepper spray against patrons.
The group, seemingly unfazed by onlookers’ attempts to shield themselves from the cameras, continued filming throughout the chaotic scenes.
One man stood out, sporting a shirt with the “FTP” logo, which typically conveys a strong anti-police sentiment.
15-year-old Angel Hernandez expressed feeling threatened as the men persisted in filming him after he requested they stop. “I asked them not to film me because I am a minor,” he recalled. “They kept getting closer and closer.”
Hernandez voiced concerns about the potential misuse of the footage, adding, “I don’t know if they can use it for weird fantasies or if they can do something else with it.”
A young mother with her children approached the crew, telling them they were making her uncomfortable. In response, the masked men insulted her, one dismissing her plea by saying, “Don’t tell me what to do, I couldn’t care less.”
Brandishing their cameras, the masked individuals encircled those shopping, seemingly recording their reactions. Traders articulated feelings of helplessness amidst the disturbance. One woman selling tea commented, “They’re all covered up—sunglasses, face masks, hats. It’s unsettling.”
Another vendor, Kelvin Bolaños, mentioned that he had been following social media updates about the group prior to witnessing their actions firsthand. “If you approach them, they retaliate by calling it assault,” he remarked.
Witnesses and law enforcement confirmed reports of the group using pepper spray on shoppers.
Following a 911 call around 11:30 a.m. regarding the commotion, police were dispatched to the market, but the suspects vanished upon their arrival.
“Officers arrived and were unable to locate the suspect or victim who had been assaulted or pepper sprayed,” stated a police spokesperson.
The farmers’ market, hosting various stands with produce and baked goods, operates twice weekly in the Larchmont Boulevard parking lot. Market management instructed the masked individuals to leave and noted that they appeared to lack the necessary permits for filming in the area.
