Sporadic violence and fistfights broke out between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel protesters in Los Angeles’ Pico-Robertson neighborhood on Sunday, with police in riot gear trying to restore order.
Los Angeles Police Officer Tony Yim told City News Service the disturbance began at 10:52 a.m. in the 9000 block of Pico Boulevard.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in front of the Abas Torah synagogue at 9040 W. Pico Boulevard and were met by counter-demonstrators carrying Israeli flags.
The heated argument quickly escalated into physical confrontations, with several fights breaking out in nearby streets, with video from the scene showing fist fights and people brandishing the handles of protest signs as weapons.
“One hit me right on the nose,” said Israel supporter Nafori Sherman. “I fell to the floor. He hit me multiple times in the head. He kicked me in the direction.”
Police responded in riot gear.
Lim did not immediately report any injuries or arrests, but video showed at least two pro-Palestinian protesters being removed from an SUV and arrested near Pico and Weatherly streets, with LAPD officers removing a small child from the back seat.
A couple connected to the protests were detained after it was reported they had guns, but were released after a police search and determination that they were not carrying any weapons.
Following Sunday’s violence, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement condemning the melee.
“The violence that occurred today in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood is abhorrent and blocking access to places of worship is unacceptable,” Mayor Bass said in a statement. She also called on police to conduct additional patrols in the area and other places of worship in the city.
“Governor Gavin Newsom expressed similar sentiments in a social media post.
“The violent confrontation that took place outside the Adas Torah Synagogue in Los Angeles is horrific,” Governor Newsom wrote. “There is no excuse for targeting a house of worship. This type of anti-Semitic hatred has no place in California.”