Fact Check: "Police in Los Angeles used tear gas on protesters after claiming that rocks and bricks were thrown at officers during the 'No Kings' protests on June 14, 2023."
What We Know
On June 14, 2023, protests known as the "No Kings" protests took place in downtown Los Angeles. According to reports, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a dispersal order after claiming that some individuals in the crowd began throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and other objects at officers near the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building. The LAPD stated on social media that "people in the crowd are throwing rocks, bricks, bottles and other objects" (CBS News). In response to the escalating situation, police deployed tear gas and flash-bangs to disperse the crowd (KTLA).
Protesters interviewed by CBS News expressed that police actions contributed to the escalation of violence, claiming that law enforcement responded aggressively without warning (CBS News). The LAPD maintained that the use of less-lethal weapons was justified, stating that they were only deployed when officers or others were under attack (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that LAPD used tear gas on protesters after alleging that rocks and bricks were thrown is supported by multiple credible sources. CBS News and KTLA both reported that the LAPD characterized the crowd as increasingly unruly, with specific mentions of objects being thrown at officers (CBS News, KTLA). Additionally, the LAPD's social media statements corroborate these claims, indicating that the situation warranted a dispersal order and the use of tear gas as a response to perceived threats.
However, it is important to note that the context provided by protesters suggests a different narrative. Many protesters claimed that the police's aggressive tactics were a significant factor in escalating tensions, which raises questions about the proportionality of the police response (CBS News). This perspective highlights the complexity of the situation, where both police and protesters have differing interpretations of events.
The sources used in this analysis are reputable news outlets, which generally adhere to journalistic standards. CBS News and KTLA are established media organizations that provide coverage of local events, and their reports are based on eyewitness accounts and official statements from law enforcement.
Conclusion
The claim that police in Los Angeles used tear gas on protesters after alleging that rocks and bricks were thrown at officers during the "No Kings" protests on June 14, 2023, is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the LAPD did indeed deploy tear gas in response to claims of projectiles being thrown at officers, although the context of the protests and the actions of both sides are crucial for understanding the full picture.
