Anti-vaccination protesters surround a counterprotester during an anti-vaccination rally near City Hall in Los Angeles on Saturday. Photo: David McNew/AFP via Getty Images
A man was stabbed and a journalist said he was assaulted during a protest against COVID-19 vaccinations outside Los Angeles' City Hall on Saturday.
Driving the news: A fight broke out after several hundred demonstrators rallied outside the City Hall and a small group of counterprotesters gathered nearby about 2pm local time, per the Los Angeles Times.
- The Los Angeles Police Department tweeted that it was monitoring the protest at the south lawn of the City Hall.
- "We are on scene to maintain order after a fight broke out. We are aware of 1 male that was stabbed & is being treated by LAFD," the LAPD said, in reference to the Los Angeles Fire Department. "No arrests have been made but the investigation is ongoing."
- KPCC radio reporter Frank Stolze was seen being kicked and screamed at by anti-mask protesters while trying to do his job, the L.A. Times notes.
- "In the melee, counterprotesters could be seen spraying mace while members of the anti-vaccine rally screamed death threats," the L.A. Times reports. "One older man screamed 'unmask them all' and clawed at a woman’s face."
- The LAPD said the stabbed man was in serious condition after being transported to a nearby hospital, according to AP.
What they're saying: Stolze tweeted: "I was shoved, kicked and my eyeglasses were ripped off of my face by a group of guys at a protest — outside City Hall during an anti-vax Recall @GavinNewsom Pro Trump rally."
- "I'm mad but fine," added Stolze, who reported the matter to police.
- Stolze quoted L.A. City Council President Nury Martinez as saying of the protesters: "These aren't 'patriots.' Not wearing a mask and being anti-vax isn't patriotism — it's stupidity. We have to be able to have differences of opinions without resorting to violence."