It Could Happen Here On The Ground In LA
Jun 12, 2025
In this episode, journalist James Stout shares gripping firsthand experiences from the protests in downtown Los Angeles, shedding light on the intense clashes between demonstrators and police. He discusses the heavy-handed tactics employed by law enforcement, including tear gas and crowd control measures, creating an atmosphere of fear and anger among protesters. Stout highlights the resilience of the community, emphasizing solidarity and mutual aid amidst chaos, while also critiquing the guidelines for police action during such events.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Extensive Police Show in LA
- James Stout witnessed overwhelming police presence in downtown Los Angeles during protests, including National Guard and multiple local and federal agencies.
- Protesters faced constant police convoys, street closures, and sporadic use of tear gas and rubber rounds throughout the night.
Tactics to Disperse Protesters
- Protesters were corralled in confined spaces and subjected to continuous volleys of tear gas and flashbangs from a distance.
- Police tactics prevented protesters from centralizing, dispersing groups repeatedly and using force from parapets and buildings' courtyards.
Newsom's Balancing Act
- Gavin Newsom balances allowing LAPD to heavily control protests while resisting full federal intervention.
- The LAPD alone has sufficient force for current protest sizes without federal backing, showing the state's capacity for repression.