This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
National Socialist Rally Draws Crowds, Reports of Violence
Early images from within the rally show crowds, heavy police presence (Left: zarahrivera/Twitpic; Right: frijolefil/yfrog)
A planned march, rally, and press conference organized by the National Socialist Movement may find itself over before it's due to start at 12:30 this afternoon thanks to the thousands of counter protesters and early reports of violence from among the crowd assembled on the South Lawn of LA's City Hall.
A strong LAPD presence is reportedly evident as the event is due to get underway, as many on scene have remarked via Twitter and other social media networks. The rally may have already triggered violence, as an LA-based photojournalist remarked via Twitter:
"Just saw a guy w swastika and lightning bolts get pummeled at neo nazi demo in LA."
The counter-protesters have much strength in numbers, as well. "Sounds like there are more counter-protesters than protest[e]rs at the Neo-Nazi/white supremacist rally in L.A. Good!" remarked tinyrooster, although crowd estimates have not yet been made public by the LAPD or city officials.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
