LAPD Investigates Reports Of Alleged Cop Party At Hollywood Bar

HOLLYWOOD, CA — The Los Angeles Police Department Monday is investigating allegations that officers attended a raucous party at a Hollywood bar without wearing masks in violation of city and countywide health orders.

Video by the activist group KnockLA purports to show officers or deputies arriving for a party Friday at the Sassafras Saloon, an 80-year old bar on Vine Street. Though some attendees identify themselves by name in the video, confirming that they are attending an "LASD" party, there has been no public confirmation anyone shown in the video is a police officer or deputy.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department denied reports that people shown in the video were department employees and that the department hosted the event.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department said the reports are "categorically false and appear to be a hoax perpetrated by social activists."

"The department is aware of video posted on social media that captured an event that does not appear to be following public health guidelines," the LAPD said in a statement. "We are trying to identify LAPD employees, who may have been in attendance.

"The chief of police has made his expectations clear and department notices have been distributed, that every employee shall wear a face covering and practice social distancing when possible at work and in the field."

The website KnockLA posted a video that allegedly showed people arriving for "the LASD party" and being asked if they had a temperature before they were admitted.

Bars have been closed by order of Gov. Gavin Newsom since late June as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.