Downtown Los Angeles is eerily quiet tonight after a day of violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement. The aftermath of the tumultuous demonstrations is stark—streets littered with debris, remnants of chaos that erupted earlier today.

As tensions boiled over during a rally that spiraled into a full-blown protest, law enforcement deployed “less-than-lethal” rounds in an attempt to disperse the crowd. Eyewitnesses reported that these projectiles, while designed to minimize harm, left many protesters and journalists injured, raising serious concerns about police tactics.

Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful protest while calling for accountability from those who instigated the unrest. “We support the right to protest, but violence is unacceptable,” she stated, as the LAPD and LA Sheriff’s Department maintained a heavy presence in the area to restore order.

The scene outside City Hall remains tense, with law enforcement officers stationed at key intersections, including Spring and Temple streets. The National Guard is also on standby, ready to intervene if necessary. As night falls, the city is on edge, grappling with the fallout of a day marked by chaos and confrontation.

Residents and business owners are left to assess the damage, hoping for a swift return to normalcy. But for now, the streets of downtown LA remain under the watchful eyes of law enforcement, a stark reminder of the volatile nature of today’s events. The city is holding its breath, praying for peace in the hours to come.