LA Chamber of Commerce Cancels Forum With Turkish Leaders In Wake Of Violence

LOS ANGELES, CA — In response to a violent clash between protesters and members of the Turkish president's security detail in Washington, D.C., the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce announced Monday it is canceling a forum with business leaders from the country.

The cancellation came at the urging of L.A. City Councilman Paul Krekorian.

"I thank the L.A. Chamber for being responsive to my request and canceling the Los Angeles Turkey Business Forum. The unprovoked attack by Turkish state security officers on peaceful American citizens was reprehensible and a grave breach of our country's laws," Krekorian said. "That the business community in our great city recognizes that human rights must be upheld by all within our borders is a credit to their vision and conscience."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, and his security officers got into a violent clash with protesters outside of the Turkish ambassador's residence.

Turkish diplomats have blamed the confrontation on a security lapse by local police, while protesters and police said the security officers were unprovoked, according to The Washington Post, which reported that 11 protesters and one police officer were injured.

The Los Angeles Turkey Business Forum has been scheduled for Thursday, and was billed as a roundtable meeting with CEOs and board members from 12 of the country's most prominent companies to develop business alliances in Los Angeles and Turkey.

City News Service; Image: Screengrab from Washington Post Video