Downtown L.A. Erupts: Mass Arrests Follow Curfew, Protests Rage As Trump Attacks Newsom

James

3 min read

Post on Jun 13, 2025

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Downtown L.A. Erupts: Mass Arrests Follow Curfew, Protests Rage as Trump Attacks Newsom

Los Angeles, CA – Downtown Los Angeles became a scene of intense unrest late last night, as protests against the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and President Trump's criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom escalated into widespread clashes with law enforcement. The demonstrations, which began peacefully earlier in the evening, spiraled into violence after a citywide curfew went into effect. Hundreds were arrested, and numerous injuries were reported.

The protests, fueled by simmering tensions over the pandemic's economic impact and perceived governmental overreach, were further ignited by President Trump's latest tweets, which sharply criticized Governor Newsom's handling of the crisis. Trump's rhetoric, seen by many as inflammatory, is believed to have significantly escalated the already tense situation.

Protests Turn Violent After Curfew

The initial demonstrations, largely comprised of individuals expressing frustration with lockdown measures and unemployment, remained largely peaceful until the 8 PM curfew went into effect. At that point, confrontations with police became increasingly frequent and aggressive. Reports indicate that some protestors threw projectiles at officers, who responded with tear gas and riot control measures.

The LAPD confirmed that hundreds of arrests were made for various offenses, including vandalism, assault, and resisting arrest. The exact number is still being tallied, and officials are expected to release a more comprehensive report later today.

Injuries and Damage Reported Across Downtown

The clashes left a trail of destruction in their wake. Several businesses were vandalized, windows were smashed, and public property was damaged. Ambulances rushed to the scene throughout the night, attending to numerous injuries sustained by both protestors and law enforcement personnel. The extent of the injuries is still being assessed.

The scene this morning is one of widespread devastation and lingering tension. Cleanup crews are working to restore order, while law enforcement maintains a heavy presence to prevent further unrest.

Trump's Criticism Fuels the Flames

President Trump's tweets, which directly attacked Governor Newsom's leadership and accused him of mishandling the pandemic, are widely considered to have acted as a catalyst for the escalation of violence. The president's words, interpreted by many as an attempt to further divide and polarize the population, have drawn sharp criticism from Democratic lawmakers and public health officials alike. This incident highlights the increasingly precarious political climate and the potential for presidential rhetoric to directly influence real-world events.

Calls for Calm and Dialogue

Mayor Eric Garcetti issued a statement this morning calling for calm and urging residents to refrain from further violence. He emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue and working together to resolve the underlying issues driving the unrest. Many community leaders are echoing these sentiments, stressing the need for constructive engagement and addressing the legitimate concerns of protestors through peaceful means.

This evolving situation requires careful monitoring. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available. For further updates on the situation in Downtown LA, you can check the official websites of the LAPD and the City of Los Angeles. [Link to LAPD website] [Link to City of Los Angeles website]

Keywords: Downtown LA protests, Los Angeles riots, Trump Newsom, COVID-19 protests, curfew violations, mass arrests, California protests, political unrest, civil disobedience, police brutality, vandalism, injuries, damage, cleanup.