Local law enforcement agencies are on high alert ahead of the massive "No Kings" protests scheduled for Saturday across L.A. County.
"Let me be absolutely clear on this. If you come to Los Angeles to exercise your rights peacefully, we are here to protect that," LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said during a cross-agency press conference Friday. "But if you come to our city with the intent to commit crimes, damage property, or harm others, including our officers, you will be arrested."
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
Chief McDonnell asked that anyone planning to participate in Saturday's events do so peacefully and respectfully. "Please adhere to the curfew, follow lawful instructions, and help us to ensure that the focus remains on the message and not on mayhem," he added.
The 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew set by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday will still be in effect over the weekend. It applies to an area between the Golden State (5) and Harbor (110) freeways, and from the Santa Monica (10) Freeway to where the Arroyo Seco (110) Parkway and Golden State Freeway merge.
The "No Kings" protest is an anti-Trump administration demonstration, with at least 30 planned across L.A. County.
McDonnell said the exact number of people expected is unclear, but they're speculating an unprecedented crowd and say they're deploying officers accordingly.
L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said his department had staffed 170% of what it usually does over the weekend and emphasized the heightened level of communication between all agencies in the County to "prepare for everything."
The L.A. Fire Department will also deploy medical task forces in case of injuries.
While L.A. agencies are working together to keep everyone safe, there is concern among local law enforcement regarding what role, if any, the military presence in the city will play during the protests.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
