Garcetti Protests: One Arrested Amid Getty House Demonstration

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 13th day of protesting in front of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti's home erupted into disarray Sunday as protestors clashed with police, according to footage posted to Twitter. One person was taken into custody from the scene of the demonstration, Officer Melissa Podany of the Los Angeles Police Department told Patch.

The person was arrested arrested Sunday on suspicion of lynching — which is defined as the crime of removing someone from the lawful custody of a peace officer.

At about 10:30 a.m., while officers were in "crowd management mode," a person began using a bullhorn, which is a violation, and the sound exceeded more than 200 feet, which is another violation, Podany told the City News Service.

A neighbor complained of the noise, which was yet another violation, Podany said.

"Four officers attempted to make an arrest for the above violations, when the crowd moved in on the officers, punching and kicking them, which resulted in an `officer needs help' call," she said. "At that time, an unlawful assembly was declared."

The person with the bullhorn fled but another person was arrested on suspicion of lynching, she said.

California law defines "lynching" as the crime of removing someone from the lawful custody of a peace officer by means of a riot, according to California Penal Code 405a.

Footage posted to Twitter Sunday morning showed some protestors and police clashing within the crowd of demonstrators outside Getty House.

Another video of the possible arrest posted to social media shows a man wearing medical gear and telling police that he was trying to stop people from "crushing" an older man. He is seen being taken away by two officers.

For nearly two weeks, protestors have amassed in front of the mayor's official residence in an attempt to persuade President-elect Joe Biden to not appoint Garcetti to his cabinet.

The theme of Sunday's protest was "#4aDayNotOkay," a reference to the average number of homeless people in Los Angeles who have died each day in 2020, according to organizers.

LAPD officers stood on the sidewalk in front of the mansion as usual.

Black Lives Matter-Los Angeles and Ground Game LA have vowed to protest every day until Biden commits to not appointing Garcetti to his cabinet.

Demonstrators are critical of Garcetti's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, homelessness, public transportation and other issues.

Garcetti has said he has not sought a position with the incoming Biden administration and that he is more focused on Los Angeles during its most recent COVID-19 surge.

The City News Service contributed to this report.