By midnight, parts of downtown Los Angeles were engulfed in chaos. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while emergency services tackled several small fires ignited near Broadway and 6th Street. LAPD confirmed more than 30 arrests on charges including vandalism, curfew violations, and assaulting officers.
Protests in Los Angeles over the police shooting of a Black teenager turned violent late Tuesday night as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers, resulting in multiple arrests, property damage, and heightened tensions across the city.
The unrest began after the release of body camera footage showing 17-year-old Darnell Woods being fatally shot by police during a foot chase in the South Central neighborhood last weekend. Authorities claim Woods was armed, but the video’s clarity and interpretation have become points of contention fueling public outrage.
Hundreds of people gathered near LAPD headquarters and later marched through downtown Los Angeles, chanting slogans such as “Justice for Darnell” and “No justice, no peace.” What started as a peaceful protest escalated into confrontations when demonstrators reportedly began throwing objects at officers and smashing storefront windows.
By midnight, parts of downtown Los Angeles were engulfed in chaos. Police responded with tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while emergency services tackled several small fires ignited near Broadway and 6th Street. LAPD confirmed more than 30 arrests on charges including vandalism, curfew violations, and assaulting officers.
Mayor Karen Bass addressed the city early Wednesday morning, urging calm and promising a full, transparent investigation. “We understand the pain this community feels,” Bass said. “But destruction will not bring us justice. We must allow the process to play out and demand accountability through peaceful means.”
Police Chief Dominic Morales also held a press conference, reiterating that the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Morales defended the department’s crowd control measures, stating, “Our goal was to restore order and protect lives — both civilians and our officers.”
Community leaders and civil rights organizations have called for restraint from both protesters and law enforcement. The Southern California ACLU chapter issued a statement condemning the use of force against demonstrators, calling it “excessive and unacceptable.” Meanwhile, Black Lives Matter Los Angeles announced plans for continued protests throughout the week.
In anticipation of further unrest, Los Angeles County declared a limited state of emergency, allowing for additional law enforcement resources and the activation of the National Guard if necessary. Several schools in affected areas announced closures or a shift to remote learning on Wednesday.
The incident has reignited longstanding debates over police accountability and racial justice in the United States. Darnell Woods’ family, through their attorney, demanded criminal charges against the officers involved. “Darnell was a child,” said attorney Rachel Owens. “He didn’t deserve to die in the street like that. This video shows a killing, not justice.”
Eyewitness accounts differ on the events leading to the shooting. Some residents in the area claim Woods did not appear to be threatening the officers, while LAPD insists he was reaching for a weapon. Investigators confirmed a firearm was recovered at the scene but did not say whether it was in Woods’ possession or how it factored into the confrontation.
The Los Angeles district attorney’s office has pledged to conduct an independent review of the shooting alongside the LAPD’s internal investigation. State and federal civil rights agencies are also monitoring the situation closely.
As the city braces for further protests, officials urged residents to remain peaceful and vigilant. “We are at a pivotal moment,” said Councilwoman Marissa Lee. “How we respond — not just in anger but in action — will define our city’s path forward.”
The protests mark the most significant civil unrest in Los Angeles since the George Floyd demonstrations in 2020, rekindling painful memories and underlining unresolved tensions between communities of color and law enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated it is in contact with local officials and stands ready to deploy state resources if the situation deteriorates. “Every Californian deserves to feel safe — and to have their voices heard,” Newsom said in a statement.
The city remains on high alert as calls for justice continue.
Source; USA Today
