LA Protests: National Guard Deployment Sparks Controversy and Accusations of Excessive Force

Los Angeles Protests: National Guard Deployment and Allegations of Excessive Force Los Angeles, CA – Recent protests in Los Angeles took an unexpected turn with the deployment of 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines. Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized the deployment, stating on Twitter, "You sent your troops here without fuel, food, water or a place to sleep." News reports corroborate Newsom's claims, showing images of troops sleeping on the floor due to inadequate provisions. The situation raises concerns about the legality and necessity of such a large-scale deployment without the governor's consent. The protests, initially peaceful according to multiple news sources, witnessed an escalation in tension following the arrival of federal forces. Reports indicate that journalists were targeted, with accounts of nonlethal rounds being fired directly at them. "I've seen multiple videos and accounts of journalists being fired at directly," one social media user commented. This raises serious concerns about freedom of the press and potential violations of human rights. Beyond the deployment and use of force, there were incidents of property damage, with several Waymo cars being set on fire. While the reasons behind this remain unclear, it adds another layer of complexity to the events unfolding in Los Angeles. The situation underscores the need for thorough investigation into the actions of federal forces and the impact on both protesters and journalists.