Authorities in Los Angeles deployed tear gas near a federal detention center and made dozens of arrests as protests erupted during the weekend's 'No Kings' rallies across the United States and Europe. The demonstrations were aimed at expressing dissent against President Donald Trump's policies and the ongoing war in Iran.
According to police reports, 74 individuals were arrested in Los Angeles for disobeying dispersal orders during the Saturday rally. In addition, one person was detained for allegedly possessing a dagger. These incidents contrasted sharply against the otherwise predominantly peaceful events, with organizers citing over 3,100 protests held across all 50 states.
As numerous protesters gathered outside a federal complex downtown, a handful began throwing rocks, bottles, and concrete blocks at law enforcement officers, leading the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to confirm minimal injuries among two police officers who required medical attention.
Independent journalist Andre Andrews Jr., who documented the rally, recounted that the police's deployment of tear gas occurred after the dispersal orders were ignored. In response, some protesters equipped with shields began throwing the canisters back at the officers.
Police reported that among the detained, eight were juveniles, and one woman dressed as the Statue of Liberty was escorted away while chatting with an officer.
In a separate incident, the Denver police declared an unlawful assembly as a small group obstructed traffic, resulting in at least eight arrests.
Nationwide, protests ranged from large demos in major cities like New York to small gatherings in rural communities, totaling an estimated 8 million participants this weekend. These rallies underscored a growing counter-movement against Trump’s administration, culminating in celebrations of musicians like Bruce Springsteen at events that spotlighted immigration policies.
Co-executive director Ezra Levin of Indivisible remarked on the significance of these gatherings, stating, 'It was powerful. It was historic. It was joyful. It was boisterous,' reflecting a remarkable turn in social activism across the nation.
