Fact Check: "Law enforcement officers used tear gas during the protests on June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, significant protests occurred in Los Angeles, particularly outside the downtown Federal Building. Law enforcement officers employed various crowd control measures, including the use of tear gas, to disperse demonstrators. Reports indicate that police began by deploying flash-bangs and rubber bullets before resorting to tear gas as tensions escalated during the protest, which was part of a larger series of demonstrations against immigration policies and the Trump administration's actions (Washington Post, New York Times).
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that they issued a dispersal order, which was met with resistance from protesters, leading to the use of tear gas and other less-lethal munitions (New York Times, The Hill). Eyewitness accounts and video footage corroborate these claims, showing officers on horseback and foot deploying tear gas against the crowd (DNyuz, KTLA).
Analysis
The claim that law enforcement officers used tear gas during the protests on June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and New York Times both provide detailed accounts of the events, including the sequence of police actions leading to the deployment of tear gas. The reports describe the chaotic atmosphere, where police faced a large crowd that had been protesting for over a week, and the escalation of violence prompted the use of tear gas as a crowd control measure.
The reliability of these sources is high; both the Washington Post and New York Times are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. They provide thorough coverage with eyewitness accounts and official statements from law enforcement. Additionally, other outlets such as The Hill and KTLA corroborate the use of tear gas, further validating the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the protests were largely peaceful, the police response, including the use of tear gas, has been criticized by some observers as excessive, suggesting a complex dynamic between law enforcement and protesters (New York Times). This context is crucial for understanding the broader implications of the events.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly indicates that law enforcement officers did use tear gas during the protests on June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. Multiple credible news sources confirm this fact, detailing the police's actions and the circumstances surrounding the protests. The use of tear gas was part of a broader strategy to manage a large and escalating protest situation.
Sources
- Police deploy flash-bangs, rubber bullets, tear gas on L.A. ... Washington Post
- L.A. Protests Maps: How Immigration Raids and Federal Response Unfolded ... New York Times
- June 2025 Los Angeles protests - Wikipedia Wikipedia
- Police Clash With Protesters After Anti-Trump Rally in ... New York Times
- Officers deploy tear gas, rubber bullets to clear protesters in ... The Hill
- Officers deploy tear gas, rubber bullets to clear protesters in ... - DNyuz DNyuz
- Officers deploy tear gas, rubber bullets to clear protesters ... KTLA
- 'No Kings' protest live updates: Tensions rise in LA as crowd hurls ... ABC7
