By Blessing 
LAPD Says It’s in Control Despite Violent Protests and Federal Intervention
Despite several days of escalating protests in Los Angeles, the city’s police leadership insists they don’t need outside help — especially not from the federal government.
On Monday, the Los Angeles Police Department addressed the growing unrest, assuring the public that they are more than capable of managing the demonstrations, even as tensions rise and arrests pile up.
“The possible arrival of federal military forces in Los Angeles — absent clear coordination — presents a significant logistical and operational challenge for those of us charged with safeguarding this city,” LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated. He emphasized that the department and its regional partners have spent decades learning how to handle large-scale protests. “We remain confident in our ability to do so professionally and effectively.”
McDonnell’s comments came in response to claims from the Trump administration that the city was spiraling out of control. According to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, about 700 active-duty U.S. Marines are being sent to Los Angeles in an effort to “restore order,” citing threats to federal officers and facilities.
“We have an obligation to defend federal law enforcement officers — even if Gavin Newsom will not,” Hegseth said in a post on X, taking a swipe at the California governor.
Alongside the Marines, an additional 2,000 National Guard troops were reportedly deployed to the city under Trump’s orders. This move has not gone unnoticed or unchallenged by state leadership.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the federal presence, arguing it has only made things worse. His office said the arrival of National Guardsmen and Marines has “provoked the worst of the unrest.” In response, Newsom announced the deployment of 800 more state and local police officers to manage tensions — particularly the confrontations sparked between protestors and federal forces, which the governor’s office labeled “illegal.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed the sentiment, blaming Washington for escalating the situation. “While Washington choreographed these chaotic events, the LAPD and local law enforcement continue to effectively respond,” she said.
According to LAPD, the protests have taken a toll. Officers have fired over 600 non-lethal rounds and made 50 arrests so far. Charges range from ignoring police orders to more severe allegations like attempted murder involving a Molotov cocktail and assaulting officers with deadly weapons.
On Saturday alone, 29 individuals were arrested for failing to disperse. The following day, 21 more were taken into custody.
In efforts to subdue crowds described as “hostile,” police said they deployed tear gas and fired non-lethal projectiles. Among those struck was an Australian journalist covering the protests.
The unrest has resulted in minor injuries to at least five police officers, according to the department. Even five police horses were reportedly hurt during the protests.
Authorities also noted that some protest groups were using handheld radios to stay ahead of law enforcement efforts.
Despite the chaos, LAPD continues to insist they have the situation under control — and they’d rather not have outside interference muddy the waters.