The Left’s war on law enforcement hit a boiling point Friday as violent rioters launched Molotov cocktails, rocks, and “high-grade pyrotechnics” at sheriff’s deputies during riots over ICE operations in Los Angeles.
This from slaynews.com.
Ten deputies were injured, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna.
Luna warned that the line between “peaceful protest” and organized chaos had been decisively crossed.
During a Friday press conference, Luna said:
We have been encountering some interesting weapons out there.
Further:
There is a big difference between peaceful protesters and the individuals who are coming out with weapons to attack our folks.
The violence erupted after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids to arrest violent illegal alien criminals across L.A. and surrounding counties beginning June 6. The operations prompted protests that quickly spiraled into lawless riots.
Sheriff Luna made it clear: the issue is not protest, it is premeditated violence.
He said, referring to lawful demonstrations:
It’s a good cause.
Further:
But we do not want violent agitators out there destroying property or committing acts of violence, specifically against our police officers, deputy sheriffs, and CHP officers.
His counterpart at the LAPD, Police Chief Jim McDonnell, issued a similar warning:
[P]rotest peacefully or face the consequences.
McDonnell explained:
If you come to our city with the intent to commit crimes, damage property, or harm others, including our officers, you will be arrested.
Further:
We will not allow violence, vandalism, or threats to public safety to undermine the rights of those who are demonstrating lawfully.
McDonnell noted:
[H[undreds of arrests have already been made since the protests began, and the citywide curfew, which will remain in effect through the weekend, has played a critical role in curbing nighttime criminal activity.
He also confirmed LAPD is “fully prepared” for a surge of demonstrators during Saturday’s planned nationwide protests against the Trump administration, emphasizing that “unprecedented” crowds are expected.
McDonnell said:
We’re closely monitoring developments and deploying our personnel and resources strategically to protect public safety while safeguarding every individual’s right to protest peacefully.
Meanwhile, California Highway Patrol (CHP) will maintain statewide patrols and increase security around key infrastructure sites, anticipating potential disruptions and escalations from radical elements.
Los Angeles officials have stated stating emphatically:
[T]his isn’t activism, it’s anarchy.
The escalating violence disguised as a protest has already sent ten deputies to the hospital and prompted mass arrests.
ICE is doing its job.
Law enforcement is trying to maintain order.
The message is clear for would-be rioters:
If you show up to protest, leave the fireworks and hate at home, or the only thing you’ll be demonstrating is how fast the LAPD can slap on handcuffs.
