The LAPD is under scrutiny for its use of officers on horseback during recent protests against immigration raids. Civil rights groups have criticized the mounted units, claiming they unnecessarily harmed demonstrators. Videos shared on social media show officers from the LAPD Metro Mounted Platoon using horses to push protesters back from the downtown Civic Center, with allegations of horses trampling individuals.
The National Lawyers Guild and the Los Angeles Community Action Network have sent a letter to L.A. Mayor Karen Bass and Police Chief Jim McDonnell, alleging that the LAPD’s actions violated court rulings meant to limit police use of force. The letter references past incidents, including the 2000 Democratic National Convention, where officers reportedly charged at people with horses and used batons.
The LAPD has not commented on the complaints, but Chief McDonnell disputed claims of trampling, stating that the horse appeared to walk around the person. The department’s Force Investigation Division is reviewing the incident, as it does with all cases involving serious injury or death in police custody.
The LAPD’s use of force during protests has been a contentious issue, with ongoing lawsuits alleging excessive force against both protesters and journalists. A recent federal lawsuit filed by the Los Angeles Press Club and Status Coup accuses officers of violating journalists’ rights during these protests. The suit highlights instances of journalists being shot with rubber bullets and tear-gassed.
The LAPD Police Commission is expected to address these concerns in an upcoming meeting, as the department faces pressure to reassess its crowd control tactics. The city has previously paid millions in settlements related to similar lawsuits from the 2020 protests.
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