Shots Fired by Federal Officer at Los Angeles Pro-Palestinian Protesters
A federal Homeland Security officer fired his weapon in the direction of counter demonstrators at a rally in support of Israel held in Los Angeles.
Some 1,200 people attended the rally Sunday afternoon in front of the Federal Building in West Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department told the Los Angeles Times.
During the rally, at least three men waving Palestinian flags and carrying wooden sticks arrived at the rally and allegedly hit some of the protesters, according to the Jewish Journal.
The men, who told the newspaper that they were Palestinians living in Anaheim, returned to their truck and drove off after the melee was broken up.
As they left, a Department of Homeland Security officer fired his gun in the direction of the truck, Brian Thomas of the LAPD West Los Angeles Patrol Division, told the Jewish Journal. The men reportedly were stopped and handcuffed, after they left the scene of the demonstration.
Speakers at the pro-Israel demonstration included Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center; Roz Rothstein co-founder and CEO of StandWithUs; Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer; and Israeli actress and activist Noa Tishby.
A counter demonstration of about 200 Palestinian supporters was held across the street from the pro-Israel demonstration.
Several streets in the area of the demonstration were blocked off into Sunday evening, according to CBSLA.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
