Los Angeles authorities are investigating more than 150 assaults on officers and civilians, as well as other crimes, that were allegedly committed during protests against police brutality.
The Los Angeles Police Department, the FBI and other agencies on Monday asked for the public's help to identify potential perpetrators and provide tips, photos and videos to aid in prosecutions. Officials said they do not have an estimate of the monetary damage that occurred during the protests.
The agencies have formed the “Safe LA Task Force” to investigate the crimes, which also include looting and arson. Seven police vehicles were destroyed during the protests, and authorities said dozens of police officers and protesters were attacked with weapons such as chunks of concrete, pieces of steel and full bottles of bleach.
LAPD Cars Damaged During Protests Cost $80,000 Each
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with shooting at four police officers in two incidents, authorities said. The LAPD would not say if the officers had been struck but noted that they have returned to work.
Protests nationwide in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis were largely peaceful, though pockets of violence sprung up. Floyd died on May 25 after Officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, used his knee to pin down the handcuffed Black man’s neck even after Floyd stopped moving and pleading for air.
Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter.
