Anarchist Rioters Set Cars on Fire, Hammer Sidewalks in Downtown Los Angeles to Create Rocks to Throw at Police

Midnight, Monday 6/9/25, Los Angeles, CA - For the fourth consecutive night, downtown Los Angeles has been the scene of violent riots, with leftist protesters clashing with local law enforcement. The unrest, sparked by recent immigration enforcement operations, has left parts of the city in disarray, with reports of vandalism, looting, and assaults on police officers.

Despite the escalating violence, Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom have pointed fingers at President Donald Trump, accusing him of exacerbating the situation through his immigration policies. However, as of yet, no federal officers have been deployed to assist in quelling the riots, leaving local authorities to manage the crisis alone.

Mayor Bass, in a press conference earlier today, stated, "This chaos is a direct result of the Trump administration's reckless actions. We are doing everything we can to protect our city, but the federal government's inaction is making our job infinitely harder." She emphasized that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has been stretched thin, responding to multiple incidents across the city.

Governor Newsom echoed these sentiments, taking to social media to criticize the president. "If Governor Gavin Newscum, of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can't do their jobs, which everyone knows they can't, then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS and LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!" Newsom wrote, referencing Trump's derogatory nickname for him. Newsom has announced plans to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, arguing that the federalization of state National Guard troops without his consent violates state sovereignty.

The riots began last Thursday following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the area, which have been met with widespread condemnation from local leaders and activists. Protesters have demanded an end to what they describe as "inhumane" immigration policies, but the demonstrations have increasingly turned violent, with reports of arson, property damage, and physical altercations.

Local business owners in downtown LA have expressed frustration and fear. "We're caught in the middle of this political battle," said Maria Gonzalez, owner of a small bookstore on Broadway. "Our livelihoods are at stake, and it feels like no one is doing anything to stop it."

The absence of federal intervention has been a point of contention. While Trump has threatened to deploy thousands of National Guard troops and federal officers, no such deployment has occurred as of Monday night. This delay has been criticized by some as a failure to act, while others see it as a strategic move to pressure local leaders.

The LAPD, under Chief Jim McDonnell, has been working around the clock to manage the situation. However, McDonnell admitted in a statement that the lack of federal support has posed "significant logistical and operational challenges." He added, "We were not informed about any potential Marine deployment, which would have been crucial for our planning."

As the sun sets on another night of potential unrest, the city of Los Angeles remains on edge. The ongoing riots have not only disrupted daily life but also highlighted the deep divisions over immigration policy and the role of federal versus state authority in managing such crises. With no immediate resolution in sight, the question remains: who will ultimately be held accountable for the chaos in downtown LA? Thousands of professional rioters from out of state descend on Los Angeles