NewsWatch: Special Edition

Apparently, the most difficult four letter word to utter for many local politicians, Governor Newsom and out of touch congressional representatives, is RIOT. For those who are having difficulty distinguishing between a peaceful protest and a riot, we hope to educate the public, media and our elected officials as to the difference.

A RIOT is defined by the Miriam-Webster Dictionary as a violent disorder. Specifically: a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons assembled together and acting with a common intent. Britannica defines RIOT as a situation in which a large group of people behave in a violent and uncontrolled way.

But before we unpack what has been happening on the streets of Los Angeles, it is important to recognize the incredible work members of the LAPD and our law enforcement partners have been doing to restore order. 

Under a constant barrage of rocks, concrete, fireworks, fires, frozen water bottles and other dangerous projectiles the men and women of the LAPD are standing strong and doing their jobs with honor and restraint. You are doing all you can to stop this RIOT and you should all be proud of yourselves for answering the call to duty. Please do all you can, in the face of dangerous criminals, to stay safe and continue to look out for each other.

We wish we could say the same of about some of our local, state and federal elected officials, but we can’t. Most want to continue to focus their public comments on those exercising their first amendment rights and peacefully protesting and ignore the rioters and the destruction and havoc they have caused and continue to cause. And don’t hold your breath waiting for any concern about your well-being. Look, no Brownie Points should be awarded to any peaceful protester because, you know what, they are supposed to be peaceful. A peaceful protester doesn’t attack police officers, or light cars on fire or ransack and loot an Apple store. Criminals do that, rioters do that.

These head in the sand politicians defending this unlawful behavior want everyone to not believe their own eyes. For the love of God, they are either delusional or deceptive. Take for instance Congresswoman Maxine Waters, who boldly stated at a press conference; “Don’t think that somehow because they called out the National Guard there was violence, there was no violence, I was on the streets.”

Clearly the delusional or deceptive congresswoman was not on any of these Los Angeles streets…

Clearly State Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez didn't cross paths with Congresswoman Waters and wherever she was wandering around because Assm. Gonzalez issued the following statement this morning:

“What’s happening in Little Tokyo and parts of Downtown LA is absolutely unacceptable,” said California State Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez. “Tagging historic landmarks, launching fireworks at officers, and terrorizing residents in not protest – it’s destruction.

Causing chaos, damaging neighborhoods, and live-streaming for likes helps no one. Our elders, small businesses, and public spaces deserve better.

If you’re out here chasing clout while our neighbors are scared and storefronts are boarded up – you’re not helping, you’re harming…”

Thank you Assemblymember Gonzalez for simply speaking the truth. Maybe the assemblymember could conduct a tutorial on truth telling to Democratic leaders in Washington DC. We would encourage Rep. Hakeem Jefferies, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, among others, to attend. They and most of their democratic colleagues refuse to condemn the RIOTERS and are even making up excuses for these crooks. One member of Congress even went so far as to justify these riots by comparing what they have done to our city to a celebration after a sports team wins a championship.

Closer to home, an aid to Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, you remember her, LA’s F-the police city councilmember, was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon. Yup, the councilmember’s deputy for community growth and economic innovation, Luz Aguilar, “allegedly” thought it was a good idea to throw a frozen water bottle at police officers.

We haven’t heard if the esteemed councilmember or the suspects father, Rick Cole, have publicly asked about any officers being injured by the frozen water bottle. Oh, and by the way, Rick Cole is a Pasadena City Councilmember who has a day job working for LA City Controller Kenny Mejia, who is a passionate cop hater. What a lovely bunch of classy individuals.

There is one important incorrect rumor floating around about these RIOTS that we want to take a moment to dispel.

The first call for assistance from federal officers was on Friday night at 6:19 pm. It was a 911 call seeking back up from the LAPD. The use of 911 delayed the response, but confirms a couple of things. First, the LAPD did not participate in any immigration enforcement. If we did, then there would not have been a need to dial 911 for help; it would have been done via a radio call from a participating LAPD officer. That radio call never happened because the LAPD was not involved in any immigration enforcement and was not on scene.

But make no mistake, when that 911 help call came, LAPD responded as quickly as possible and will continue to respond when anyone calls for help, especially a member of law enforcement. Anyone who has a problem with that should lose our number.

The one positive thing every law-abiding resident can look forward to is an actual District Attorney that will prosecute these RIOTERS. We also know that many RIOTERS will also face federal charges for assaulting members of law enforcement and destroying federal property.

Our reaction to this RIOT news? It’s about time!

About the LAPPL: Formed in 1923, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents more than 8,800 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found online at www.LAPD.com