Unruly Crowd Causes Chaos in L.A. City Center, Vandalizing Buildings and Trains While an Individual Performs Fire-Breathing Spectacle
At exactly midnight, a boisterous gathering materialized at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue in downtown Los Angeles. The exact purpose of this unsanctioned assembly remains unconfirmed, though some attendees were spotted in attire suggestive of a party, adorned with pink platform heels and cat ears.
In a sequence of events, captured by OnScene.TV, a man was recorded pouring a flammable liquid into a torch and igniting it, causing fireworks in the night sky. Another individual, clad in a leather jacket, ascended a street light pole and seemed to film himself while conversing into his mobile device.
As the scene unfolded, spectators' focus shifted to an A Line train temporarily halted along its route on Washington Boulevard. Alarmingly, individuals within the throng commenced vandalizing the train, spray-painting its exterior and windows.
The Los Angeles Police Department received a call at 12:12 a.m. on Sunday, reporting five male vandals trespassing and wreaking havoc on the interior of a train car. According to LAPD spokesperson Officer Kevin Terzes, dozens of officers armed with foam-round-firing riot guns moved into a skirmish line across the street, facing the disorderly mob.
At 12:19 a.m., another call revealed more disturbances on a train at Washington Boulevard and Trinity Street. Officer Terzes confirmed that no arrests were made in connection with either call. It was not clear whether the LAPD had apprehended individuals responsible for defacing several local businesses, such as a Panda Express, Waba Grill, a dialysis center, and a medical clinic.
Some members of the crowd posed for selfies next to a graffitied LAPD cruiser, cursing at the officers, launching fireworks, and kicking at the police vehicle as it retreated. The incident disrupted train service for approximately 20 minutes, preventing both northbound and southbound trains from traversing Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue.
According to Jose Ubaldo, a Metro spokesperson, neither passengers nor employees were injured during the vandalism spree. Ubaldo emphasized that anyone with information regarding the incident should contact the LAPD at (800) 222-8477.
It has been speculated that the gathering may have been associated with an unpermitted rooftop event at an abandoned building nearby, drawing an estimated crowd of over 300 people. Nevertheless, the primary focus remains on investigating and holding accountable those responsible for the chaotic and destructive acts that transpired at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Maple Avenue. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has publicly condemned the episode, stressing the importance of maintaining public safety and upholding the law.
In the midst of this chaos, a social-media frenzy erupted as bystanders shared videos and images of the disturbing events on California's streets, with hashtags like #WashingtonBoulevard and #LosAngeles trending on entertainment and general-news platforms. As the city grappled with crime-and-justice issues, businesses such as a Panda Express, Waba Grill, a dialysis center, and a medical clinic were not spared from the vandalism, raising concerns about the impact on local businesses and the community. Despite the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responding swiftly to the situation, questions remains unanswered regarding the organizers and perpetrators behind the unsanctioned gathering that led to such widespread destruction.
