May 31, 2020; Los Angeles, CA, USA: Police officers and the National Guard watch over LAPD headquarters as a protest is held nearby. The death of unarmed black man George Floyd allegedly by a Minneapolis police officer has sparked protests across the country. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro/Staff via USA TODAY NETWORK
Los Angeles, California – Governor Gavin Newsom announced a significant surge in state and regional law enforcement personnel to Los Angeles Monday, responding to ongoing unrest triggered by recent federal actions. The deployment follows President Trump’s controversial move to federalize the National Guard in the city, which quickly became a flashpoint for large-scale protests.
Newsom framed the situation as a response to chaos intentionally instigated by the federal government. “Chaos is exactly what Trump wanted, now we are sending in hundreds more law enforcement to pick up the pieces,” he said, emphasizing a unified stance among state and local leaders to restore order and ensure public safety in the Los Angeles region.
The expanded law enforcement presence involves more than 800 officers. This includes five Special Response Teams from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), totaling nearly 400 officers deployed in support of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Additionally, a regional Tactical Alert activated by the CHP brings over 250 officers focused on roadway and highway safety. CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee underscored the department’s commitment to professionalism and community safety amid the unrest.
Complementing the CHP deployment, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has requested and received mutual aid assistance from neighboring jurisdictions, adding over 240 deputies from surrounding counties and municipal agencies. The LASD itself has provided more than 200 deputies to support the LAPD’s efforts. Sheriff Robert G. Luna highlighted the importance of regional cooperation to reinforce public safety and maintain order amid escalating tensions.
Despite the federalization of approximately 2,000 National Guard members, only about 300 are actively deployed on the ground in Los Angeles, with the remainder awaiting orders.
Cal OES Director Nancy Ward reiterated the agency’s commitment to working closely with local leaders, aiming to balance public safety with respect for constitutional rights. She emphasized the goal of swift, effective response and tension de-escalation through collaboration.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell thanked mutual aid partners for their cooperation and called for peaceful protests. However, he also warned that law enforcement is actively pursuing those responsible for violence and property destruction. So far, more than 40 arrests have been made in connection with vandalism, looting, and assaults on officers.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman issued a firm warning to those engaging in violence. While affirming the value of free speech, he declared that criminal actions such as property damage and assaults would be met with full prosecution.
As Los Angeles braces for further demonstrations, state and local officials stress the necessity of peaceful assembly and de-escalation, underscoring the fragile balance between civil rights and public safety amid a deeply charged political moment.
