Trump Supporters Clash With Counter-Protesters In Downtown L.A.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Hundreds of supporters of President Donald Trump gathered in front of Los Angeles City Hall Wednesday to protest the certification of election results. Organizers said 15 "patriotic organizations" joined the demonstration "to demand the integrity and justice of the Nov. 3 election."

Trump supporters and counter-protesters faced off in Downtown Los Angeles as police presence began to intensify in the area. Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly on Spring St. around 12:32 p.m. after multiple skirmishes broke out between the two sides.

Social media footage showed several people being detained and led away in handcuffs. At least 4 people were arrested, according to Officer Tony Im.

Fights break out after #trump supporters cross lines with anti-protestors outside city hall in #dtla pic.twitter.com/nmrIUAb05G
— Alexander (@Alexandheir) January 6, 2021

Meanwhile, the anti-Trump group Refuse Fascism held a protest of its own in downtown Los Angeles. At 12:30 p.m., the group unfurled a banner over the Harbor (110) Freeway at Seventh Street, proclaiming, "Trump Lost! Fascists Get Out!"

"Trump lost the election. What they're attempting to do as we speak, is a coup," Refuse Fascism said.

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A post shared by Refuse Fascism L.A #FuckTrump (@refusefascismla)

Meanwhile in Washington D.C., the scene turned violent as thousands stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress convened to certify election results. As lawmakers took shelter amid reports of shots fired, Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), who represents much of Los Angeles, confirmed she was in a safe location.

I am safe in a secure location," she tweeted. "The President of the United States is inciting a coup. We will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred."

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), who represents part of Los Angeles, called it "a tragic day in American history as we see Trump-supporting domestic terrorists surround and breach the Capitol building. My staff and I are secured and safe thanks to the courageous actions of the Capitol Police. Praying for the safety of everybody and the very soul of our nation."

Rep. Brad Sherman, (D-CA), who represents Sherman Oaks, was speaking to KNX when he watched tear gas being deployed in the Capitol Rotunda.

"The idea that the Capitol Police would lose control over the entry points, these are entry points that are sometimes guarded with machine guns. They take that very seriously. A decision was made to allow the breach rather than use weapons. I hope that decision turns out to be right. I think it will be."

This is a developing story. Please refresh for updates.

City News Service contributed to this report.