Los Angeles police response to a Sunday protest outside the official residence of Mayor Eric Garcetti drew accusations of excessive force from politicians and activists, after officers arrested one individual and were seen on video using batons to strike others.
Three days after KPCC/LAist requested comment from the mayor s office, his spokesperson Alex Comisar e-mailed a written statement on Wednesday: Mayor Garcetti appreciates those expressing their free speech rights and the difficult job that police officers have to do every day. We hope that the situation will deescalate because the safety of demonstrators and police officers is of the utmost importance.