June 7, 2022: Grand Park Protests Turns Deadly
This article would have appeared in the Los Angeles Tribune, just a couple IC days after the events of last weekend.Here's the log of the day's events: https://liberationmush.site/paste/2356
Grand Park Protests: A Microcosm of Larger Tensions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – This weekend, Grand Park, the iconic space nestled between Los Angeles City Hall and the Music Center on Grand Avenue, became the epicenter of intense protests. Initially conceived as a peaceful demonstration, the gathering the gathering took a dark turn, culminating in gunfire and panic.
The majority of attendees were there to voice concerns over Endron’s latest initiatives. These individuals, backe+bd by various environmental and community groups, were united in their skepticism of Endron’s plans for the Greater Los Angeles area. Although some would find their fixation on Bristow Park in nearby City of Commerce somewhat eccentric, it is more understandable in light of last year’s tribulations surrounding the Skid Row chemical fire. They cited other worries over potential environmental degradation, socio-economic impacts, and a perceived lack of transparency on the part of the corporation.
Derrick Carlyle, known to many as the author of the blog ‘EndronNation.com’ and recognized as the leader of the Endron counter-protesters, was at the forefront of the day’s events. While the majority of the attendees were skeptical of Endron’s plans for Los Angeles, Carlyle and a small group of Endron supporters were unwavering in their defense of the corporation. Despite being significantly outnumbered, Carlyle’s group made their presence known, with Carlyle himself passionately addressing the crowd using a megaphone.
However, as the day progressed, confrontations between the larger group of protesters and Carlyle’s contingent became more frequent and heated with several water bottles thrown. Then, in an alarming escalation, a rock hurled at Carlyle, striking a teenage follower – whereupon a knot of particularly aggressive anti-Endron protesters suddenly advanced on Carlyle. While it’s unclear whether this act was the sole trigger, moments later, gunshots rang out, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Witnesses reported that Carlyle, seemingly reacting to the perceived threat, discharged his handgun. The ensuing gunfire resulted in the tragic death of marine veteran and paramedic Hugo Beccerra and left two others seriously injured.
In the immediate aftermath, a full-scale melee broke out, where a more extreme contingent of black-clothed ‘anti-fascists’ swarmed over the Endron counter-protesters. In the event, they might have killed Mr. Carlyle, except for the supposed intervention of what has been described as two undercover police officers – a man and a woman. Although, some dispute as to whether one was simply a good Samaritan. It was at this time that a young man named Kevin Chapman, who onlookers describe as adhering to a more radical ‘ACAB’ philosophy, charged one of the police officers trying to extract Mr. Carlyle. He was shot, and although the bullet severed his spine, he was pronounced in stable – if serious – condition.
That’s when the LAPD finally had enough and orders were given to clear out the park – which fortunately happened without any further casualties, although there were a half dozen arrests made. Among whom was the notorious activist Mizhakwan Peltier, a recent recipient of the ‘Endron Endurance Award’ (See 6/23). It’s unknown at this time if she was there in a pro or anti-Endron capacity. All this reporter can attest is that she has since been released on bail.
Derrick Carlyle remains in police custody, although in a statement released to the press by his lawyer, it is claimed to be voluntarily so for his own safety, owing to the extraordinary number of threats made against his life. In his statement, he regrets the death of Hugo Beccerra, although ultimate blame is placed on the protesters who violently attacked him. An open question at the moment is whether or not Mr. Carlyle was licensed to carry a concealed firearm – a permit which is considered difficult to obtain in Los Angeles City outside of certain private security capacities.
In the aftermath of this weekend’s events, many Angelenos remain stunned by the violence. Although, a much smaller gathering came together the day after to help clean up the park. They couldn’t help but notice the taped off areas where idealism and hope for change had given way to bloodlust and hate.
However, online, the response has been anything but muted. To those who dare wade into the debate, they’ll find that Derrick Carlyle has been cast as either a cold-blooded murderer with justice demanded for Hugo Beccerra and even calls for his family to sue Endron itself owing to Mr. Carlyle’s supposed affiliation with the energy giant, to others praising him as something like a hero.
Indeed, there has even been a popular song making the sounds, known as the ‘Ballad of Derrick Carlyle’, where the petrochemical blogger is described as bravely defending himself against the violent mob. This is only made somewhat awkward by the fact that one of the three people that he is known to have shot, was supposedly his own follower – although this is heatedly denied. Fingers point at Kevin Chapman, who supposedly had a firearm on his person as well.
The mayor of the City of Commerce, Rita Krodle, has released a statement expressing her horror at the death of Hugo Ibarra, and her regret that the controversy of Bristow Park should have lead to such violence. However, there are as yet no plans to withdraw permission for Endron’s proposed expansion.
Op Ed: Violent Radicals Don’t Scare Me
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views any people, institutions or organizations associated with the Los Angeles Tribune. Any views or opinions are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.
VIOLENT RADICALS DON’T SCARE ME
By Councilman Chaquille Jefferson-Price
Here we go again. This past weekend, the very soil of Grand Park was tarnished, not by any so-called corporation – but by the city’s very own residents. The events that transpired were nothing short of a disgrace. To think that our city’s proud legacy could be so callously thrown into the gutter by a mob masquerading as ‘protesters’ is infuriating. That’s what I call scumbags. Just rotten, good for nothing, sick-minded morons. And I mean that literally. I think you have to be mentally deficient to go along with their nonsense.
What I witnessed was not the exercise of a democratic right, but a perverse carnival of chaos. Of course, true, peaceful protest is an honored American tradition. What occurred at Grand Park, however, was a reckless display of lawlessness. How can any individual, with even a modicum of intellect, believe that throwing rocks, attacking the police and terrorizing honest businesses and the families they employ will bring forth any positive change?
If this weekend’s display of rage was meant to convey a message, it was lost in the mindless destruction and violence. The so-called activists, in their feeble attempt to draw attention to the fate of one lousy, little park in a different city, have only succeeded in drawing ire and disdain. In fact, I recently phoned the mayor of the City of Commerce, Rita Krodle, and I encouraged her to tear out all the parks she wanted if it lead to more good, high-paying City of Commerce jobs. Well. As it stands, they’ve got one other park besides Bristow, which they’re keeping, so I don’t see what the big deal is anyways. After all, it’s called the ‘City of Commerce’. What are parks good for, anyways? For kids playing soccer, sleeping bums and dope-slingers. None of whom I’ve ever seen spending any money at Commerce’s fine Citadel Outlets.
What I saw this last weekend disgusted me. I saw a howling mob of three hundred demagogues, so high on their own supply, that they couldn’t stomach even the mild disagreement represented by a dozen brave young men. Well you all know what happened next.
This is why I’m running for Mayor. Because the current administration has proven itself incapable of handling with decency the growing list of challenges that the city is struggling with.
For now, I call upon my fellow citizens to stand up against this form of mindless anarchy. Do not let a mob the narrative. Engage in constructive dialogue – not destructive behavior. To the rioters who tarnished Grand Park: Your actions will never be forgotten, and they certainly will not be forgiven. The silent majority of Los Angeles will rise, and the full weight of justice will come crashing down upon you. To those who tear us apart and lash out at some of our business community’s most reliable employers – you are on notice.
Chaquille Jefferson-Price is the Councilman for Los Angeles District 8.