Anchor Faces Backlash Over Rioter Comments

A Los Angeles news anchor has come under fire for remarks about rioters, suggesting, quite dismissively, that “a lot of people enjoy burning cars.”

Jory Rand from ABC 7 seemed to downplay the violence, even as his broadcast displayed alarming footage of a car engulfed in flames on a smoky street.

In his commentary, Rand stated that “a group of people” was causing chaos, warning that “it can be quite unstable when law enforcement is directed improperly, turning individuals into those who thrive in a large conflict.” This conflict, he suggested, boils down to people watching cars burn and clashing with protesters.

Joe Kinsey, a senior editor at Outkick, criticized Rand’s statements, likening them to “propaganda worse than Baghdad Bob,” referring to the infamous Iraqi war propagandist.

As outrage grew, one viewer labeled Rand as “a special type of stupidity,” questioning his place in the media industry. Another commentator expressed frustration, saying, “Jory Rand is completely out of touch. He contributes to the public’s distrust of media.”

Feedback continued, with someone branding him the “most awakened journalist” they had encountered, claiming he should be working for a network like CNN instead.

Despite the backlash, neither Rand nor ABC 7 has publicly responded to the criticism.

The ongoing riots in downtown Los Angeles have resulted in several vehicles being set ablaze, alongside looting incidents. The protests, which began Friday, continue to escalate, prompting widespread unrest.

Recent reports noted that at least five unoccupied autonomous vehicles were torched during the protests against immigration enforcement. Moments later, the California Highway Patrol managed to disperse the demonstrators from the 101 highway, but the situation rapidly deteriorated as individuals returned, throwing fireworks and rocks at CHP vehicles.

Footage from the scene depicted one patrol car completely consumed by flames.

Dozens of individuals have been arrested amidst the demonstrations, which have spread throughout the state in response to recent immigration policies.