MONROE, La. (KNOE) - Two distinct messages shared one platform Saturday as community members gathered downtown for a united protest. One group marched to address a growing concern: violence in the streets. Organizers said the effort was sparked by the recent death of a 14-year-old and aimed to bring unity and safety to local neighborhoods.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in Los Angeles and throughout the Southland Saturday to protest the policies of the Trump administration in the nationwide “No Kings Day of Defiance” demonstrations — with sporadic eruptions of violence aimed at police following dispersal order.

Democrats were walking a line between criticizing the White House for sending troops to put down protests in L.A. and the violence that Trump says caused him to act.

Despite the curfew, people are still coming to downtown LA to participate in immigration protests. Local residents are living with around-the-clock law enforcement and experiencing vandalism.

Former sheriff's deputy Patrick Gipson criticizes Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for handling of LA riots, blaming delayed National Guard deployment and progressive policies.

Snopes' investigation of several video clips appeared to find the same person committing several acts of violence in Los Angeles County in June 2025.

President Donald Trump is facing strong criticism from Democrats, who have said he is being hypocritical in handling the Los Angeles riots.

LA residents who surveyed the damage after the protests on June 8 were disillusioned by what unfolded in their city and feared what might come next.

Peaceful demonstrations in downtown LA escalate to violent confrontation with police using tear gas as protesters throw objects, prompting warnings from LAPD and Homeland Security.