Los Angeles Protests Escalate: Looting at Apple Store Amid Immigration Raids
Protests Turn Violent in Los Angeles
A disturbing event has unfolded in Los Angeles as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, initiated by President Donald Trump, escalate. Reports indicate that a group of masked individuals invaded an Apple store, causing significant damage and theft. Footage circulating on social media shows these individuals not only targeting the Apple store but also other retail locations. Local law enforcement has responded by making several arrests related to the violent demonstrations and vandalism. The unrest began following a series of raids executed by the Trump administration on June 6.
Viral Footage of the Looting
Videos shared online depict individuals rushing into the Apple store and stealing merchandise. A clip posted by journalist Brendan Gutenschwager on X highlights the chaos, showing masked looters inside the store. He commented, "Apple store in downtown LA being looted tonight." Other establishments, including Adidas outlets, pharmacies, and marijuana dispensaries, were also affected.
Law Enforcement Response
Los Angeles Police Department Officer Chris Miller confirmed that one woman was apprehended in connection with the looting incident at the Apple store.
Mayor Imposes Curfew
In response to the escalating violence, Mayor Karen Bass announced a curfew for downtown Los Angeles, aiming to curb the vandalism and looting. She stated, "I have declared a local emergency and issued a curfew for downtown Los Angeles to stop the vandalism, to stop the looting."
Tensions Outside Federal Detention Center
Protests outside a federal detention center in Los Angeles intensified, leading law enforcement, including the California National Guard and Department of Homeland Security, to deploy non-lethal tear gas to disperse the crowd. Numerous undocumented immigrants were also taken into custody during these confrontations.
Trump's Remarks on the Protests
President Trump criticized the protests in Los Angeles, labeling them as "a full-blown assault on peace, public order, and national sovereignty." He made these comments during an event at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the US Army, where he held a campaign-style rally.
Trump's Critique of Los Angeles
During his address, Trump expressed his discontent with the current state of Los Angeles, noting its drastic transformation over the years. He condemned the protests against his mass deportation policies, stating, "Within the span of a few decades, Los Angeles has gone from being one of the cleanest, safest and most beautiful cities on earth, to being a trash heap with entire neighborhoods under the control of transnational gangs and criminal networks."