L.A. Protests Draw Thousands Hours after Gov. Newsom Prohibited Fourth of July Gatherings
A protest in Los Angeles on July 1 drew thousands of people hours after California governor Gavin Newsom discouraged residents from holding Independence Day gatherings with anyone outside an immediate household.
A photo published by the LAPD showed protesters standing shoulder to shoulder, with many wearing masks. Los Angeles has seen a resurgence of coronavirus cases over the past week, leading some businesses to reduce or shut operations.
LAPD is monitoring a peaceful protest between City Hall and the Hall of Justice. Please adhere to social distancing protocols. pic.twitter.com/nIRZl92Sek
— Rick Stabile 🇺🇸 (@LAPDRickStabile) July 2, 2020
Los Angeles police have not issued permits for mass gatherings since March 3, when Mayor Eric Garcetti issued an executive order forbidding such gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, police have not intervened to break up the gatherings. The protests are part of a wave of demonstrations in response to the death of George Floyd, an African American man killed during arrest by Minneapolis police officers, has sparked waves of massive demonstrations in major cities across the U.S.
Newsom’s executive order on Wednesday required restaurants and museums to shift to outdoor operations in 19 counties, with bars closing entirely. While large family gatherings are technically forbidden, the governor acknowledged that enforcing that rule would be impossible.
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