LOS ANGELES (CNS) — The Los Angeles Police Department is working to “assess and identify” potential threats made by groups calling for violence following the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade.

What You Need To Know

  • LAPD Chief Michel Moore said Friday the department has been made aware of “extremist groups calling for a ‘Night of Rage’" following the U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning federal abortion protections under Roe v. Wade
  • Moore said the groups were directing violence "towards reproductive and family advocacy groups, federal courthouses, and faith-based organizations and houses of worship"
  • However, authorities had not identified any specific or credible threat against any organization in LA and no such activity had been reported as of early Saturday
  • Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in downtown LA Friday, and while the protests were mostly without incident, there were scattered skirmishes between demonstrators and police

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said Friday the department has been made aware of “extremist groups calling for a ‘Night of Rage’... directing violence towards reproductive and family advocacy groups, federal courthouses, and faith- based organizations and houses of worship.”

The groups — which the LAPD did not identify — called for the violence to begin at 8 p.m. Friday, Moore said. However, authorities had not identified any specific or credible threat against any organization in Los Angeles and no such activity had been reported as of early Saturday.

“The LAPD is committed to protecting all persons and organizations here in Los Angeles,” Moore said. “We are taking a proactive approach to identifying any potential threats and working to disrupt any potential criminal acts related to this court decision. Please continue to be proactive in your security measures and do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this issue.”

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied in downtown Los Angeles Friday, prompting police to declare an unlawful assembly around 9 p.m. after someone launched a firework into a crowd at Eighth and Olive streets. Police then began shouting for demonstrators to leave the area.

Some on social media characterized the police response as “heavy handed.”

Moore said some protesters began pelting officers with fireworks at Fifth and Main streets and at least one person was arrested, according to The Los Angeles Times.

While the protests were boisterous but mostly without incident, there were scattered skirmishes between demonstrators and police. A reporter with LA Taco, a platform that covers food and culture, tweeted that he was assaulted by a group of officers.

“LAPD officers shoved me and jabbed @joeyneverjoe in the stomach with a baton, sending him to the ground. We both identified ourselves as press repeatedly,” tweeted Lexis-Oliver Ray.

On a video, officers in riot gear can be heard shouting “leave the area, go back” and Ray describing himself as a member of the press.

Moore acknowledged the protests were not violent but said some people sought to make his officers’ job harder, including a group that blocked part of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway.

“I’m grateful today’s events were largely peaceful,” the chief said. “A much smaller group of individuals took to the streets with the intention of creating chaos and destruction. Unfortunately, some chose to enter the freeway, posing a serious risk. Later, a much smaller group fired pyrotechnics at officers.

“Our people strived to facilitate demonstrations while defending our people from dangerous assaults.”

Moore said the department is continuing to assess any injuries or damage resulting from the demonstrations.