By Sam Catanzaro
Following damage in Santa Monica, Brentwood business owners are preparing for potential looters by boarding up their shops.
According to the Brentwood Community Council (BCC), the first protest was a student demonstration planned on Wilshire in front of the Federal Building starting at 2 p.m, with potential spillover to Brentwood. Event organizers canceled the protest Monday morning, but officials say this may be a tactic by looters to misdirect law enforcement.
“one of the tactics used by several groups of looters is to misdirect the police by sending out these types of advance warnings; regardless, based on what we have seen over the weekend, please prepare responsibly,” the BCC said. “If you hear of protests being cancelled, please remain vigilant as it could be a misdirection tactic.”
The second protest is planned for Barrington and Wilshire at 4 p.m., with spillover into central Brentwood and the San Vicente business district being “very possible”.
The BCC says the LAPD has requested the National Guard for Brentwood in light of the planned protest at the Federal Building and potential spillover, however, the decision to deploy the unit has not been made.
Monday morning, Brentwood business owners were seen boarding up their shops in preparation for any potential looters.
“There is a 40-officer squad set for Brentwood later in the day and additional resources will be deployed as needed,” the BCC said.
A curfew will be in effect for Los Angeles from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available
