LAPD Investigates Viral Video of Officer Firing Rubber Bullet at Woman During ICE Protest

Viral Video of Force Used at Protest

• 📹 A viral video captured by Alexandria Augustine shows a law enforcement officer firing a rubber bullet at a woman walking on a public sidewalk during an ICE protest in Los Angeles.
• 📍 The incident occurred on 3rd Street amidst demonstrations against recent ICE raids.
• 🚶‍♀️ The woman, who Augustine briefly interacted with moments before, was reportedly trying to make her way home and appeared to be just passing through.

Witness Account and Concerns

• 🗣️ Alexandria Augustine, a resident of West Hollywood, expressed concern and has been trying to locate the woman to check on her well-being.
• ⚠️ Augustine highlights the misconception that rubber bullets are non-lethal, stating they can still cause serious injuries.
• 🔦 Augustine noted that officers used flashlights as warnings, and she believed the woman was being allowed to pass when an officer fired.

Law Enforcement Response and Investigation

• 📢 In the days leading up to the incident, law enforcement had declared an unlawful assembly in parts of LA, with reports of fireworks and fires nearby.
• 🔍 The LAPD stated they could not confirm if the officers in the video were theirs based solely on the footage.
• ⚖️ Incidents involving the deployment of less-lethal munitions will be thoroughly investigated by the LAPD, including a comprehensive review of training and tactics.
• 📝 Chief Jim McDonnell addressed questions about the use of force, emphasizing that all incidents are investigated and a full package will be assembled to assess what happened.