(Scypre.com) – What began as a peaceful “No Kings Day” demonstration in downtown Los Angeles on June 14, 2025, quickly unraveled into chaos, prompting the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to intervene forcefully. Tens of thousands had gathered to protest President Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., and recent federal immigration raids in California. The protest, largely organized by the 50501 movement and backed by immigrant rights and progressive groups, started with chants, speeches, and flag-waving at Pershing Square and outside City Hall. The mood remained calm through most of the morning, with organizers repeatedly emphasizing nonviolence and city officials urging restraint from all sides.
However, by midday, tensions flared when a breakaway group moved toward the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. According to police reports and live footage, individuals within that group began throwing rocks, bricks, and fireworks at officers stationed near the federal complex. LAPD declared an unlawful assembly shortly after 2 p.m. and began issuing dispersal orders. When those warnings were ignored, officers deployed tear gas, stun grenades, pepper balls, and mounted units to push the crowd back. The scenes quickly went viral on social media, with videos showing clouds of gas, injured demonstrators, and mounted police clashing with protesters.
Witnesses and protest organizers disputed the police account. Samantha Edgerton, who attended the event with her family, described the police response as “a total 100% over-reaction.” She said the group she was with had been standing peacefully when police began moving in aggressively. Hunter Dunn, a spokesperson for the 50501 coalition, called the crackdown “state violence,” insisting that most protesters were exercising their First Amendment rights peacefully. By the end of the day, at least six demonstrators and 12 officers were reported injured. Eighteen individuals were arrested Saturday night, adding to more than 500 protest-related arrests since June 7. The city imposed an 8 p.m. curfew over downtown, which remains in effect.
The political fallout has been swift and polarizing. President Trump, who previously authorized the deployment of thousands of National Guard troops and active-duty Marines to control civil unrest, defended the police response. His supporters praised the crackdown as a necessary defense of law and order. Meanwhile, civil rights organizations condemned the LAPD’s tactics and have signaled plans to pursue legal action over what they call excessive force and violations of assembly rights.
Across social media, footage from the protests spread rapidly. Hashtags like #NoKingsProtest, #LAPDViolence, and #Teargas trended throughout the evening, showing images of street medics treating chemical exposure victims and protesters forming human chains to protect vulnerable groups. With more demonstrations planned and public anger simmering, officials warn of continued unrest. Protest leaders vow to return, arguing their cause has only grown stronger in the face of repression. As Los Angeles reckons with the aftermath, the events of June 14 serve as a stark illustration of the deep divisions gripping the nation ahead of the 2026 elections.