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LAPD Ready To Deploy Everyone In Uniform If Pro-Trump Protests Get Violent
Pro-Trump supporters gather to face off anti-Trump demonstrators. (Brian Feinzimer for LAist)
The FBI has warned of possible armed protests around the country in support of President Trump in the coming days.
There are at least two pro-Trump protests planned for Saturday, one in Beverly Hills and one at L.A. City Hall.
The LAPD said it’s planned for increased activity during inauguration week and will have adequate resources to respond to "any situation."
Tthe department is prepared to go on tactical alert in the case of violence, said Capt. Stacy Spell, adding that everyone in uniform could be deployed if things get out of hand:
"That means not just our patrol officers, but also anybody in detectives, administrative functions, any kind of investigative assignments."
The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department "remains prepared to peacefully manage any protests with the appropriate resources and personnel," a spokesman said in a statement.
In a video posted on YouTube, Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the department will "honor and defend" the public's right to peaceful protest, "but it has to be in a manner that does not harm our communities."
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