A protest outside a Los Angeles synagogue on Sunday saw clashes between Palestinian and Israeli pro-Israeli groups and led to the arrest of a man carrying a post tipped with nails.
Police said Sunday that there were several scuffles between the two groups during a protest outside the Adas Torah synagogue in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood, resulting in two reports of assault.
The altercation began just before 11 a.m. and continued for several hours after pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside the synagogue were confronted by counter-protesters carrying Israeli flags. Brawls broke out in the street, with videos from the scene showing punches and fighting.
Officers in special gear were deployed to the West Los Angeles area.
Police said the person arrested was charged and released.
“The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating two reported incidents of violence,” the LAPD said in a statement. “We will always protect the First Amendment rights of those who wish to protest, but violence and crime will not be tolerated.”
Mayor Karen Bass is scheduled to meet with Interim Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi on Monday to discuss the violence.
“Today’s violence in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood was abhorrent and blocking access to places of worship is unacceptable,” Mayor Bass said in a statement Sunday night. “I have asked the LAPD to conduct additional patrols in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood and outside places of worship across the city. I will be meeting with Interim Chief Dominic Choi tomorrow to further discuss the safety of Angelenos.”
“I want to be clear that Los Angeles will not be a hotbed of anti-Semitism and violence. Those responsible will be found and held accountable. I will be joining City Council Member Katie Yaroslavsky, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, Rabbi Noah Farkas, and other law enforcement and faith leaders in community meetings to discuss how we can move forward together.”
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“I am appalled by the scenes outside Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles. Intimidating Jewish people is dangerous, reprehensible, anti-Semitic and un-American.
Americans have the right to peaceful protest, but blocking access to places of worship and engaging in violent acts is…
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 24, 2024
President Joe Biden called the violence “horrible.”
“The violent confrontation that took place outside Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles is horrific. There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. This type of anti-Semitic hatred has no place in California,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a social media post.