Sporadic violence and fist fights broke out in the majority-Jewish Pico-Robertson neighborhood on Sunday during dueling protests over fighting in the Middle East.
According to officers, LAPD officers were initially dispatched to the 9000 block of Pico Boulevard after learning the incident was occurring.
According to reports, the unrest began when pro-Palestinian supporters gathered outside the Abbas Torah synagogue and tried to block the entrance, and were soon met by pro-Israel demonstrators.
Both sides were seen carrying flags and placards in support of their respective causes.
Skykal flew overhead as the protests at times escalated into violence, with large groups of people moving through the area’s streets, kicking and punching each other.
“It doesn’t happen here,” Rabbi Herzl Irlian said when asked about the violence in the area. “I can’t imagine a Jew coming out in front of a mosque or a Christian coming out in front of a mosque and doing something like that. Nobody would approve of this, but here, with regard to the Jews and Israel, everything is legitimate and everything is fine.”
LAPD officers in riot gear formed skirmish lines and at one point declared an unlawful assembly, but the unrest nevertheless continued for several hours, continuing until around 5pm on Sunday.
Another video shows LAPD officers with guns drawn detaining two people from inside a Range Rover who were yelling at protesters, and after the two adults are handcuffed, officers are seen removing a young child from the back seat of the car.
Dozens of Los Angeles Police Department officers were seen moving to break up the rally.
Following the incident, the Jewish Federation released a statement which said in part:
“Jews in Los Angeles are no longer safe. The events of June 23rd have made reality the darkest nightmare that many of us hoped would never be witnessed on American soil.”
The LAPD says one person was arrested during the incident.
No serious injuries were reported, but many protesters were seen nursing wounds as SkyCal continued to fly over the area into the evening.
Gov. Gavin Newsom released a statement late Sunday.
“The violent clash outside Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles is awful. There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. This type of anti-Semitic hatred has no place in California,” X’s post said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also released a statement saying:
“The violence in Pico Robertson today was abhorrent, and blocking access to places of worship is unacceptable. I have asked the LAPD to conduct additional patrols in the Pico Robertson neighborhood and outside places of worship across the city. I will meet with Chief Chay tomorrow to further discuss the safety of Los Angeles residents.”
“I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a hotbed of anti-Semitism or violence. Those responsible for both will be found and held accountable. I will join City Council Member Katie Yaroslavsky, Jewish Federation of Los Angeles CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas, and other law enforcement and faith leaders in community meetings to discuss how we can move forward.”