BATTLE FOR ECHO PARK

LAPD cops in riot gear descend on Echo Park to clear out huge homeless encampment that is making the beauty spot unusable for locals - but are repelled by 200 protesters as scuffles break out

 

Daily Mail 

March 25, 2021

 

LAPD cops in riot gear, armed with batons and rifles, carried out a planned sweep on Echo Park in Los Angeles on Wednesday night where they were met with more than 200 protesters defending the homeless encampment that has grown in recent months. 

 

At around 10.30pm on Wendesday, officers told protesters to disperse and then called it an 'unlawful assembly' when most refused. Protesters - a mix of the homeless community living in the park and activists who have joined their cause - chanted 'whose park? our park' as the LAPD ordered them to 'clear the area' over a loudspeaker. This led to clashes between the officers and activists. 

 

A city-wide tactical alert was issued on Wednesday night, as the protesters rallied against plans to permanently disperse those living in the park and close the area for what is being touted as more than $500,000 in repairs. 

 

Over the last few months, the encampment has grown to nearly 200 tents and covers nearly half the park, with residents living in the area concerned about drug use, crime and the increasing amount of trash. 

 

Earlier in the day, signs were posted on trees and light poles saying that the park will close on Thursday, and that all personal property needed to be removed. That included tents, chairs, tables, backpacks, bags and personal items.