One person has been arrested in connection with a stabbing at a protest against COVID-19 vaccines, Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said Thursday.
Eric Cohen, 30, was arrested and booked on a charge of attempted murder. The Long Beach resident is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center on $1 million bail.
The stabbing was reported at L.A. City Hall on Aug. 14, allegedly as part of an altercation between anti-vaccine activists and counterprotesters. The suspect was taken into custody by LAPD officers on Wednesday.
The LAPD released photos of the suspect on Aug. 17, wearing a black hoodie and mask and wielding what appears to be a short knife, asking for the public to help with identification. It is not known whether information from the public led to Wednesday’s arrest.
The LAPD said at least two individuals were stabbed during the fight, but the second victim has yet to come forward.
“This anti-vax debate is manifesting itself in protests and demonstrations and violence in other parts of the country as well,” Moore said. “In Los Angeles, we’re not going to stand for it. Our arrest last night demonstrates that we’ll put whatever resources we need to identify those responsible for such violence and bring them to criminal justice system.”