LAPD: no National Guard unless Brentwood is targeted
By Sam Catanzaro
As peaceful protests and civil unrest continue following the police killing of George Floyd, West Los Angeles police say to be on the alert for organized criminal groups taking advantage of a large protest in Hollywood to loot other neighborhoods.
“Please note that due to a large protest in Hollywood today, some organized criminal groups may take advantage of other neighborhoods and choose to loot or cause other destruction,” said Los Angeles Police Department West Division Captain Tom. “Be observant of groups of vehicles that seem to be working in coordination – as few as 5 cars up to 30 or more – wherein occupants of the vehicles appear to be canvassing a location for security, open windows and otherwise not behaving as a normal customer.”
According to Tom, until protests over the police killing of George Floyd subside, this will be the case.
The LAPD says that if people see or suspect this type of organized, group behavior at any point to attempt to – safely – take photos of the vehicles, write down license plate numbers and report them directly to Captain Tom at 32993@lapd.online
“In terms of rumors or social media posts: please only send the LAPD information that is actionable, such as the original media post or statements from individuals where there is a name or address to track down,” Tom said.
According to the LAPD, if something on a social media post that has been reported, track down the original post and send to Captain Tom.
The LAPD says that police vehicles are on heightened alert and will continue to monitor Brentwood, but residents should not expect to see National Guard troops unless there is actionable evidence that Brentwood is being targeted.
A curfew will be in place for LA County from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Thursday.