LAPD targets journalist and runs over protester during “No Kings” protest

Members of the Los Angeles Police Department were observed over the weekend firing “less-than-lethal” projectiles at journalists during the "No Kings" demonstration in downtown Los Angeles, despite existing protections. This incident occurred just days after the L.A. City Council unanimously voted to withdraw a request aimed at lifting court-imposed restrictions on the LAPD's use of force against journalists during protests.

The demonstration drew a record breaking seven million participants, many who gathered to denounce the Trump’s administration’s harmful policies and attacks on working class immigrant communities. Protests throughout the day remained mostly peaceful, with wide-spread images of people dancing and exercising their free speech dominating media coverage. 

As the LAPD declared an unlawful assembly around 7:00 PM, tensions escalated between protesters and law enforcement. A police vehicle reportedly ran over a protester outside the detention center on Alameda Street.

Multiple reporters on the scene documented what they described as unprovoked aggression by LAPD officers toward members of the press and other demonstrators. Footage circulating on social media showed L.A. TACO journalist, Lexis-Olivier Ray, being targeted with 40mm “less-lethal” ammunition, as captured by @filmthepolicela on X. 

Oliver Ray told CALÓ News he jumped out of the way of the projectile aimed at him, causing him to injure himself. While he was not directly struck, he believes it may have hit his backpack.

The frontline journalist recently made headlines after filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the LAPD, alleging that officers repeatedly interfered with his right to document the clearing of homeless encampments across the city.

Journalist Ryanne Mena, who has previously been injured while reporting at protests, told CALÓ News that she was “violently shoved” by officers, despite having clear press credentials.

“LAPD declared an unlawful assembly around 7 pm and it was about 15-30 min later they started escalating, ” said Mena who was at the scene. “They started coming out with batons, pushing, shoving people. They had ‘less-lethal’ launches out aimed at people, including members of the press.”

Mena said she was shoved back after police began to kettle demonstrators. “I felt a baton-like object against my arm and then I turned around and there was an officer on horseback above two people.” She stated that shortly afterwards she saw an LAPD officer grab a photojournalist, whom she recognized, and drag him aggressively past her. “He had a press badge and camera out–it was clear he was a member of the press.”

This weekend’s violence appears to echo many of the allegations and concerns against the LAPD that has plagued the department. California law explicitly protects journalists’ rights to report on public events, including protests. 

In 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 98, which prohibitse law enforcement officers from intentionally assaulting, interfering with or obstructing the news representative who is gathering, receiving or processing information for communication to the public. Critics argue the law is routinely disregarded by officers on the ground. 

“That all happened with the injunction in place” said Mena, “can you imagine if it had actually been lifted?”