Los Angeles exploded into chaos on Sunday as thousands protested Donald Trump’s surprise deployment of the National Guard. Police and federal agents fired teargas and “less-lethal” rounds to push back crowds near City Hall, a detention centre and even onto the 101 Freeway. Amid flash-bangs and shouting, one moment rose above the rest.
😂 “Tasted like fascism”
A reporter caught up with a dazed demonstrator mid-mayhem. After a faceful of teargas, the protestor paused, then deadpanned: “Tasted a little tear gas—tasted like fascism.” The line spread across social media faster than any canister fired.
🚨 Why they rallied
Angelenos poured onto the streets to denounce Trump’s immigration raids and the Guard’s arrival. They chanted “Shame!” and “Go home!” at heavily armed troops. Graffiti plastered nearby walls: “Fuck ICE,” “LAPD can suck it,” even “National Guard LOL.”
💥 Clash of orders
Governor Gavin Newsom branded the federal move “an alarming abuse of power,” demanding troops stand down. LA Mayor Karen Bass echoed the plea: “Our city is still recovering from wildfires—we do not need more violence.” Yet federal forces held firm, sparking fierce exchanges well into the night.
🏛️ From the frontline
Journalists ducked flying rocks and water bottles. Officers in riot gear faced off with protesters, then unleashed teargas and flash-bangs. A caravan of driverless Waymo cars even got spray-painted—some windshields smashed—before being set alight.
🌟 A line for the ages
Amid the fray, that offhand quip crystallised the mood. It captures a moment when civil unrest met pointed humour—and reminded everyone that in the face of authoritarian tactics, a single line can cut straight through the chaos.
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