Fact Check: Did protesters or the police start the riot in California

Fact Check: Did Protesters or the Police Start the Riot in California?

What We Know

The protests in Los Angeles were sparked by federal immigration raids conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which led to the arrest of 118 immigrants. The situation escalated over the weekend, with demonstrators clashing with law enforcement in Los Angeles, Paramount, and Compton. Police deployed tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowds, and several arrests were made. President Trump ordered the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to manage the unrest, marking the first time since the 1960s that the federal government has called up National Guard troops without a governor's consent.

The protests were described as initially peaceful by some participants, with demonstrators stating their intent to stand against the ICE raids. However, the situation turned volatile, with reports of concrete, bottles, and other objects being thrown at police officers. The Los Angeles Police Department declared an "unlawful assembly" and authorized the use of "less lethal munitions."

Local authorities, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, criticized the federal response, with Newsom calling the deployment of the National Guard unnecessary and inflammatory. The protests were further fueled by the presence of agitators, which some intelligence analysts identified as "professional rioters" motivated by the immigration raids and troop deployment.

Analysis

The sources provide a mixed picture of the events, with varying accounts of who initiated the violence. According to NPR, the protests were largely peaceful until law enforcement intervened with tear gas and declared an unlawful assembly. However, CNN reported that protesters set self-driving cars on fire, indicating a level of aggression from the demonstrators.

The credibility of the sources varies. NPR and CNN are generally considered reliable, with a reputation for thorough reporting. However, their coverage may reflect a certain editorial perspective, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the protests and the aggressive response by law enforcement. On the other hand, The New York Post described the events as "anti-ICE riots," suggesting a more chaotic and violent scenario initiated by the protesters.

The involvement of federal troops without state consent is a significant factor that may have escalated tensions. Governor Newsom's opposition to the deployment suggests a political dimension to the unrest, which could influence the portrayal of events by different media outlets.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim about whether protesters or the police started the riot in California remains inconclusive based on the available evidence. The situation is complex, with both sides potentially contributing to the escalation. Further investigation and more detailed eyewitness accounts are necessary to determine the initial instigators of the violence.