Concerns About LAPD’s Use of Violence Against Peaceful Protesters and Members of the Press

Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD answer questions at Town Hall

Transcript:

Mayor Karen Bass Staff:

We do have Daniel’s question in the chat. I’m gonna read it out since we had the technical difficulties. So Daniel’s question is, are you concerned about the consistent and well-documented LAPD violence against peaceful protesters, members of the press, and even Dodgers fans celebrating their recent World Series victories? Do you think it is important to protect freedom of speech, assembly, and press? And has the mayor’s office taken any action to prevent LAPD violence against protesters and press?

Mayor Karen Bass:

So I am extremely concerned and supportive of everyone’s right to freedom of the speech. I think it is absolutely critical that violence, period, is not acceptable. And I’m gonna tell you that I am really worried that I do not want the feds to use any level of violence as aggressive in LA. And I think that they are absolutely waiting for that.

I think they’re attempting to provoke that by frustrating us, and everyone has a right to peacefully protest. When that peaceful protest crosses the line, then that’s where we get into issues. And then the LAPD’s response needs to not be over the top. It needs to maintain the peace, but LAPD also cannot tolerate violence of any level.