The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has recently been in the news due to a series of high-profile incidents, including a pursuit of hit-and-run suspects that resulted in a dramatic 80-mile chase. Additionally, the department has faced scrutiny over its handling of protests, particularly regarding a lawsuit alleging failure to protect demonstrators during a violent clash on the UCLA campus. These events highlight ongoing tensions surrounding law enforcement practices and community relations in Los Angeles.
Founded in 1869, the LAPD is the police department for the city of Los Angeles, California. It is one of the largest municipal police departments in the United States, with approximately 9,974 officers and 3,036 civilian staff. The LAPD is responsible for maintaining public safety, enforcing laws, and providing community services across a diverse urban landscape. Over the years, it has been involved in various controversies and reforms, particularly concerning issues of police accountability and community engagement.
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Recent high-speed police chases across the U.S. have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. Notably, a tragic incident in California involved a stolen vehicle pursuit that ended with one death, while in New York, officers faced scrutiny for their actions during a chase that led to a fatal crash. Investigations are ongoing.
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Mario Edgardo Garcia-Aquino, 43, has been charged with the murder of 13-year-old Oscar Omar Hernandez, whose body was found in Ventura County. Garcia-Aquino faces additional charges related to sexual offenses against minors. His arraignment is set for April 30, 2025.
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Jillian Shriner, wife of Weezer bassist Scott Shriner, was shot by police during a manhunt for hit-and-run suspects in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. After allegedly pointing a gun at officers, she was arrested and charged with attempted murder. The incident has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about police response.
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A jewelry store in downtown Los Angeles was robbed on Sunday night, with thieves tunneling through a concrete wall to steal an estimated $10 million to $20 million in merchandise. The heist was discovered Monday morning, and police are investigating the incident using security footage.
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Beyoncé kicked off her Cowboy Carter Tour on April 28, 2025, at SoFi Stadium, celebrating her Grammy-winning album while addressing her complex relationship with country music. The nearly three-hour performance featured new songs and fan favorites, reclaiming the genre's Black roots and showcasing her evolution as an artist.
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Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman embark on a nostalgic journey through 17 European countries on vintage motorcycles for Apple TV+'s 'Long Way Home,' airing today. The duo reflects on the practicality and charm of older bikes while sharing memorable experiences from their two-month trip.
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Rapper Silento, known for his hit 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)', has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and other charges, with a murder charge dropped as part of a plea deal.
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Los Angeles police have launched a criminal investigation into Smokey Robinson following allegations of sexual assault made by four former housekeepers. The women claim Robinson assaulted them between 2007 and 2024. Robinson denies the allegations, which are part of a civil lawsuit seeking $50 million in damages.
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Ruth Eleonora López, a prominent human rights advocate in El Salvador, was arrested on May 19, 2025, accused of embezzling state funds. Her detention has raised concerns about the government's increasing authoritarianism under President Nayib Bukele, particularly against critics of his policies. López's organization, Cristosal, condemned the arrest as a violation of due process.
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Gene Traylor, the Phoenix Suns' director of safety, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation within the organization. The suit claims he faced backlash after raising security concerns. This follows a broader pattern of legal issues for the Suns, including a previous discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee.
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Brian K. Williams, former deputy mayor of public safety in Los Angeles, has been charged with making a bomb threat against City Hall. The charge, stemming from a text sent to city officials in October 2024, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Williams allegedly fabricated the threat himself.
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On June 7, 2025, protests erupted in Los Angeles against ICE raids that resulted in over 40 arrests. Demonstrators gathered outside a federal detention center, expressing outrage over the perceived terror tactics used by immigration authorities. Mayor Karen Bass condemned the actions, while ICE defended its enforcement of immigration laws.
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Protests in Los Angeles escalated following President Trump's deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops to manage unrest stemming from immigration enforcement raids. Demonstrators clashed with federal agents, leading to violence and over 100 arrests. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the deployment as inflammatory, while the administration defended it as necessary for law enforcement.
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In response to escalating protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, President Trump has deployed 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the actions as unlawful and inflammatory, marking a significant federal intervention in state matters. The situation has sparked a fierce political battle over immigration enforcement and state sovereignty.
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Protests in Los Angeles against President Trump's immigration policies intensified as 700 Marines and over 4,000 National Guard troops were deployed to the city. Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the military presence, claiming it exacerbated unrest. The situation has drawn national attention as protests spread to other cities, raising concerns over civil rights and state sovereignty.
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Australian journalist Lauren Tomasi was shot with a rubber bullet while covering protests in Los Angeles on June 9, 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident and stated that his government has raised concerns with the Trump administration. Tomasi reported she is recovering from the injury.
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Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service in California despite recent protests that led to vandalism of its vehicles in Los Angeles. The company is also seeking to enter New York City, although it faces regulatory hurdles. Meanwhile, Waymo continues to adapt its operations in response to ongoing civil unrest and safety concerns.
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During a live broadcast on June 10, 2025, CNN correspondent Jason Carroll was briefly detained by Los Angeles police while reporting on protests. Officers clarified he was not under arrest but was being removed from the area. The incident has raised concerns about press freedoms amid ongoing demonstrations.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has adjusted the curfew initially imposed on June 10 due to protests against President Trump's immigration policies. The curfew, which aimed to prevent crime and protect businesses, has seen reduced hours following a decline in violence and vandalism. The National Guard remains active in the city.
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Protests in Los Angeles continue following ICE raids that led to over 100 arrests. President Trump deployed National Guard and Marines to the city, escalating tensions. Governor Newsom has challenged the federal deployment, claiming it exacerbates unrest. Demonstrations have spread to at least 37 cities nationwide, with significant clashes reported.
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On June 14, 2025, U.S. Marines in Los Angeles detained a civilian, marking the first known detention by active-duty troops since their deployment amid protests against immigration raids. The incident raises concerns about the military's role in domestic law enforcement as nationwide demonstrations are planned against President Trump's policies.
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A US appeals court ruled that Donald Trump can maintain control over California's National Guard amid a lawsuit from Governor Gavin Newsom. This decision follows Trump's deployment of troops to Los Angeles, igniting a national debate on military use in domestic protests. The Los Angeles Dodgers also denied ICE access to their stadium amid ongoing immigration protests.