A disturbing video captured during a recent protest in Los Angeles shows a man being repeatedly trampled by LAPD officers on horseback—a moment that has sparked outrage online and across national media.
The incident occurred Friday, June 6, during mass demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. What began as a peaceful protest escalated into chaos as riot police moved in over three consecutive nights, transforming the streets into what witnesses described as a “war zone.”
In the widely circulated footage, a protester wearing a backpack is seen lying on the pavement, surrounded by police officers on foot and horseback. Within seconds, he is struck by one horse, then stomped by another. Moments later, a mounted officer appears to strike him in the head with a baton-like object.
Despite the brutal encounter, the man struggles to his feet, only to be thrown back to the ground by another officer as turmoil rages around him.
Viewer discretion is advised—the video contains scenes that some may find deeply distressing.
Chaos Erupts at LA Anti-ICE Protests as Police Clash With Demonstrators—Journalist Caught in Crossfire
Tensions reached a boiling point in downtown Los Angeles as protests against ICE raids turned violent, prompting a heavy-handed police response. Officers on the scene were met with Molotov cocktails and rocks, which led to the deployment of rubber bullets and tear gas against demonstrators.
Among those caught in the chaos was Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi, reporting for 9News. “I am okay. My cameraman, Jimmy, and I are both safe,” she later confirmed in a live broadcast. “This is just one of the unfortunate realities of reporting on incidents like this. It’s been a really volatile day on the streets of Los Angeles.”
Tomasi documented the escalating situation, showing parts of downtown that had been cordoned off by police. “The city warned that anyone moving through these restricted areas will be arrested immediately,” she reported.
On Saturday, June 7, former President Donald Trump announced that he had authorized the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, following reports of violence toward federal ICE agents. He posted on Truth Social:
“If Governor Gavin Newscum [sic], of California, and Mayor Karen Bass, of Los Angeles, can’t do their jobs—which everyone knows they can’t—then the Federal Government will step in and solve the problem, RIOTS & LOOTERS, the way it should be solved!!!”
In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a firm rebuke on X (formerly Twitter):
“I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County and return them to my command. We didn’t have a problem until Trump got involved.
This is a serious breach of state sovereignty—inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they’re actually needed. Rescind the order. Return control to California.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned Trump’s actions, particularly his use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to expand federal deportation powers.
“It shows a sense of terror in the community,” she said. “It’s bad enough that it happened here, but this spreads fear. People are now unsure where they are truly safe.”
Local officials have since advised residents to avoid public gathering areas, as unrest continues to ripple across the city.
