"Mostly Peaceful" No Kings Rally in Palisades Park Will Act as Cover for Rioting, Looting Planned for the Promenade for Saturday June 14, 2025

6.10.25 – Authorities are on high alert as reports surface of a planned "mostly peaceful" riot and looting event scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Third Street Promenade in Downtown Santa Monica. The event will follow the anti-Trump "No Kings Rally" scheduled for Saturday from 11 am to 2:30 pm in Palisades Park. According to sources familiar with the plans, organizers will follow a playbook similar to the May 31, 2020, looting in Downtown Santa Monica, where a rally was used as a cover for coordinated theft and vandalism.

Santa Monica stores scheduled to be looted Saturday include H & M, the Apple Store and Urban Outfitters. The City of Santa Monica's Democratic Socialist leadership could prevent the looting with armed police. But they won't, since looters all vote Democrat.

Local law enforcement has received intelligence suggesting that the event will begin with a public rally, drawing in well-meaning participants unaware of the ulterior motives. Organizers reportedly intend to exploit the gathering to orchestrate looting targeting high-end retail stores along the Promenade, a popular shopping and tourist destination. The term "mostly peaceful," often used to downplay such events, has raised concerns among officials and business owners, who fear a repeat of the 2020 chaos that left Downtown LA businesses devastated.

In response, the city is increasing police presence and coordinating with private security firms in the area. Several Promenade businesses are boarding up windows and hiring additional security as a precaution. "We can't afford another hit like 2020," said Lisa Chen, owner of a boutique on the Promenade. "This is supposed to be a safe place for families, not a target for looters."

Community leaders have expressed concern about the potential manipulation of legitimate protesters. "It's heartbreaking to think that people's genuine desire for change could be exploited for criminal activity," said Reverend James Carter of Santa Monica Unity Church. He called for peaceful demonstrations and urged residents to avoid actions that could harm the community.

The Santa Monica City Council emphasized the city's commitment to balancing free expression with public safety. "We support the right to protest, but we will not tolerate lawlessness," said one City Council member.

As the weekend approaches, residents and visitors are advised to exercise caution and stay informed through official city channels. The SMPD reminds everyone to say something if you see something suspicious. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) non-emergency number for tips and general inquiries is (310) 458-8491. For emergencies, call 911. This information is based on the SMPD's official contact details available on their website and other public sources as of June 10, 2025.