Protesters Siege Federal Courthouse in Los Angeles
A group of demonstrators from the “No Kings” rally in Los Angeles organized a march downtown on Saturday, which culminated in a confrontation outside the federal courthouse, just a few blocks from City Hall. During the disturbance, protesters hurled large chunks of concrete at Homeland Security officials who were attempting to shield the building.
Footage captured by independent journalist Julio Rosas showed protesters equipped with safety glasses, face masks, and gas masks launching concrete projectiles at the courthouse and the officials stationed there.
Rosas discussed the incident shortly after it occurred, noting that it followed the “No Kings” rally which had just finished nearby at City Hall. He recorded the moment demonstrators attempted to breach the security fence around the federal building, mentioning that one of them carried a Palestinian flag while others sported Palestinian keffiyeh scarves.
The rally began and ended at Los Angeles City Hall, according to Rosas. He stated that the violent outbreak happened when a splinter group from the rally moved towards the courthouse to instigate the attack. “This looks like it was planned,” Rosas remarked, referring to the actions of the protesters.
Rosas indicated he was focused on the fence and didn’t notice the stash of concrete intended for use against the authorities. Inside the courthouse, DHS workers managed to hold off the crowd by deploying tear gas.
Later that evening, Bill Esseri, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, announced via social media the arrest of several individuals involved in the confrontation with law enforcement officers. “We are recording everything. We will identify you and take action,” Esseri warned, hinting at more arrests to come.
On the same day, “No Kings” rallies took place in various cities across the nation, with the main event occurring at the Minnesota State Capitol. Notable attendees included Jane Fonda, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Bernie Sanders, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Bruce Springsteen performed at the rally, which, like others, criticized U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran and called for the abolition of ICE.
The events were backed by numerous non-governmental organizations, such as 50501, the ACLU, the American Federation of Public Employees, the Arab American Association, Blue Future, and Amnesty International.
The No Kings movement condemned ongoing military operations in Iran, the push to dismantle ICE, and efforts regarding the SAVE America Act, declaring, “Masked secret police terrorize communities, and the costs of illegal wars push families to the brink.” They accused Trump of attempting to govern as a tyrant.
