Fact Check: Los Angeles police began using flash-bangs, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse a crowd outside the downtown Federal Building on Saturday afternoon, October 21, 2023.

Fact Check: Los Angeles Police Use of Flash-Bangs, Rubber Bullets, and Tear Gas on October 21, 2023

What We Know

On October 21, 2023, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) employed flash-bangs, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse a crowd outside the downtown Federal Building. This action followed a demonstration that was part of broader protests against President Donald Trump's policies, particularly regarding immigration. The gathering had been ongoing for over a week, fueled by local grievances related to immigration raids in the area (Washington Post, NBC News).

According to reports, the police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse before resorting to crowd control measures. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the police's use of force escalated quickly, with officers pushing protesters back and using less-lethal munitions to clear the area (Washington Post, The Hill).

Analysis

The claim that LAPD used flash-bangs, rubber bullets, and tear gas is corroborated by multiple credible sources. The Washington Post and NBC News both reported on the incident, detailing the police's actions and the context of the protests. The reports highlight that the police's response was prompted by perceived threats from the crowd, including the throwing of objects at officers, which police Chief Jim McDonnell cited as justification for the dispersal order (The Hill).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting. However, it is essential to note that the portrayal of events can vary based on the outlet's perspective. For instance, some reports emphasized the peaceful nature of the protest prior to police intervention, which could suggest a bias in framing the narrative (NBC News).

Conclusion

The claim that Los Angeles police began using flash-bangs, rubber bullets, and tear gas to disperse a crowd outside the downtown Federal Building on October 21, 2023, is True. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible sources that documented the events as they unfolded, confirming the police's use of these crowd control measures in response to the protest.

Sources

1. Police deploy flash-bangs, rubber bullets on L.A. protesters
2. Police fire flash-bangs, rubber bullets at L.A. protesters
3. Police deploy tear gas at L.A. protest near federal building
4. Police deploy flash-bangs, rubber bullets, tear gas on L.A. protesters
5. Officers deploy tear gas, rubber bullets to clear protesters in downtown L.A.