Bridgette Covelli arrived at Los Angeles City Hall on June 14 to join the “No Kings Day” festivities, expecting a peaceful protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She saw people dancing, chanting, and holding signs. Everything seemed calm, and there was no sign of conflict with the police.
However, that peaceful atmosphere quickly changed. Covelli, 23, witnessed officers suddenly firing rubber bullets and launching smoke bombs into the crowd. In a panic, she grabbed an electric bike to escape. As she tried to leave, she felt a sharp pain in her arm and fell to the ground. An unidentified LAPD officer had shot her with a hard-foam projectile.
“I was just trying to get home,” Covelli said. “There was no dispersal order. Nothing at all. We were doing everything right.” She ended up in the hospital with a fractured forearm, which has left her unable to work as a tattoo artist.
Covelli is one of many demonstrators and journalists injured in recent protests. The LAPD has faced backlash for its use of foam projectiles, tear gas, and other crowd control measures during the protests. Despite previous promises to limit the use of force, the department is again criticized for its tactics.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell defended the officers, stating they were responding to a chaotic situation. He promised a thorough review of the events once the protests concluded. However, many observers believe the department’s response was excessive.
Some protesters accused officers of targeting individuals who posed no threat. Civil rights attorney Shakeer Rahman witnessed an incident where an officer fired at him for asking for a badge number. This incident raised concerns about the use of force, especially since a 2021 court ruling banned the use of 40mm launchers in most crowd-control situations.
The protests have sparked tensions between LAPD commanders and city officials, who have pushed for restraint. Mayor Karen Bass has stated that the city will evaluate the LAPD’s actions, emphasizing the importance of video evidence from the protests.
As the protests continued, many demonstrators reported feeling unsafe. Audrey Knox, a screenwriter, was struck in the head by a foam round while watching a skirmish. She received five staples for her injury and expressed concern about returning to protests.
The LAPD’s use of horses has also drawn criticism. Some protesters felt that the mounted units caused more confusion and injuries than order. Videos showed officers on horseback advancing into crowds while others fired less-lethal rounds.
The recent protests have reignited discussions about the LAPD’s approach to crowd control. Critics argue that the department’s heavy-handed tactics have not changed despite years of lawsuits and promises to reform. As the city braces for potential legal battles, many are left questioning the LAPD’s commitment to protecting the rights of peaceful protesters.