Chief of Police Statement: “No Kings 3.0” Protest in Downtown Los Angeles NR26067mb

April 2, 2026

Chief of Police Statement: “No Kings 3.0” Protest in Downtown Los Angeles

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all people. The right to a peaceful assembly and free press is recognized as a fundamental human right and is firmly protected by the First Amendment in the United States.

We at the LAPD believe all individuals with peaceful intentions should be allowed to protest, march, and demonstrate their beliefs in public areas.

To this point on Saturday, thousands gathered at Grand Park for the “No Kings” demonstration. Working with City partners, the LAPD established traffic perimeters to ensure the safety of demonstrators and the surrounding community as well as being in compliance with the law. The vast majority of people exercised their rights to demonstrate accordingly.

As the day progressed, a small group within the larger demonstration engaged in violent assaults on police, acts of vandalism, and other unlawful behavior that placed the peaceful demonstrators, bystanders, and officers at risk.

The fence in front of the Federal Metropolitan Detention Center on Alameda Street was vandalized. Protestors with an intent towards violence broke a concrete bollard into pieces and threw the fragments at federal agents. Others attempted to climb the fence to illegally enter the facility. One individual threw a blue smoke bomb toward federal personnel. Federal authorities issued multiple dispersal orders before finally requesting LAPD assistance as the violence escalated beyond a level they could safely address.

When we at the LAPD are called upon by the public or other agencies it is our sworn duty to respond.

Next, the LAPD Air Support issued additional dispersal orders, but individuals continued their unlawful actions, triggering a Citywide “tactical alert.” Dispersal orders were issued clearly and repeatedly, with a reasonable amount of time for individuals to leave, via a designated safe direction of travel which was clearly communicated. Explicit warnings were broadcast to the crowd that kinetic energy projectiles and/or chemical agents could be used if the crowd refused to comply. Following the lawful dispersal order, anyone who chose to remain in the area assumed the inherent risks of noncompliance.

Despite repeated warnings, the crowd did not disperse. Therefore, teams of LAPD officers responded, contained a group on Alameda Street, and conducted mass arrests to restore public order. Some individuals fled onto the MTA rail line, creating additional safety hazards, and placing themselves and innocent Angelenos at risk. A second group later threw projectiles at officers near Alameda and Temple; they were dispersed, and by 8:00 p.m. the tactical alert was lifted as normal police operations were restored Citywide.

In total, LAPD officers made 72 arrests, with a breakdown as follows:
• 63 adults for 409 PC — Failure to Disperse
• 1 adult for 21310 PC — Possession of a Dirk or Dagger
• 8 juveniles for 409 PC — Failure to Disperse

One LAPD officer and two Mounted Unit horses sustained minor injuries. Three crime reports were completed for Assault with a Deadly Weapon on LAPD officers.

In recent days, claims have been circulated alleging LAPD personnel used unlawful force and intentionally interfered with members of the media. The use of force by any LAPD member is subject to a comprehensive investigation, with accountability and transparency central to our mission. When violations occur, discipline follows; however, when force is used lawfully to stop violence, it protects the community and those who came to demonstrate peacefully.

Regarding media access, the LAPD recognizes the media’s right to cover events and makes reasonable efforts to accommodate, with those efforts consistent with our primary duty to maintain public safety and order. A well-informed public is essential to our democracy, and the media plays a vital role in informing the public. Any individual who identified themselves as “duly authorized” members of the media were contacted, verified, and separated from those arrested. Any allegations of mistreatment involving members of the media will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed. As such, we remain steadfast in fostering strong, respectful relationships with our media partners.

The LAPD remains committed to safeguarding peaceful protest, supporting the essential work of the press, and ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, businesses, and officers. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of our democracy, but when violence or attacks occur our role is clearly defined. We must protect people’s ability to speak, gather, and advocate. There is no place for violence, property destruction, and attacks on community members or officers. In these instances, the LAPD has a responsibility to act professionally and consistent with Department policy and state law. Our goal is to maintain conditions where peaceful civic engagement remains possible.