Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell has defended his department’s response to recent protests against President Trump’s immigration policies. He stated that officers acted appropriately to manage the unrest, despite facing criticism for their aggressive crowd control tactics.
In a statement released on Monday, McDonnell announced that the LAPD would conduct a thorough review of every incident involving the use of force. He emphasized that the department welcomes scrutiny and will hold accountable any officer who does not meet the department’s standards.
The chief’s comments followed a report that highlighted injuries sustained by protesters from LAPD officers using hard foam projectiles and other less-lethal munitions. There has also been concern over the conduct of mounted police, with videos showing protesters being trampled or struck with batons.
McDonnell acknowledged the serious accusations against the LAPD but indicated that the narrative often overlooks the violent and chaotic conditions officers faced during the protests. He noted that while many demonstrations were peaceful, some were marred by violence and vandalism. When protesters began throwing objects and refusing to disperse after being ordered to do so, McDonnell argued that officers were justified in taking decisive action to maintain public safety.
He reported that 52 officers were injured during the protests, requiring medical treatment. McDonnell criticized critics of the department, suggesting they rely on edited videos and anecdotal evidence to support claims of misconduct. He insisted that officers issued dispersal orders in both English and Spanish and that the use of force was targeted and proportional.
However, many eyewitnesses and viral videos raise questions about whether the police used excessive force against individuals who posed no threat. Following a history of costly lawsuits over protest-related incidents, the LAPD is likely facing more civil litigation over these recent events.
Additionally, a coalition of press rights organizations has filed a lawsuit against the LAPD, claiming that journalists were injured by police actions during the protests. This lawsuit highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of media personnel during demonstrations.
Attorney John Burton, representing injured protesters, criticized the LAPD’s tactics, stating that video evidence shows officers disregarding state regulations on crowd control. He expressed frustration, noting that similar issues arose during previous protests, emphasizing the need for change in police practices.