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Possible Riot This Sunday At Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica Police are bracing for the possibility of violence when anti-vaccine demonstrators rally near the city’s pier on Sunday. Unlike last year, when the disgraced former police chief's incompetence led to hundreds of businessses getting looted and dozens of residents getting injured, the new chief appears to be actually doing her job.

The rally, part of an international day of protest against what participants describe is “medical tyranny,” is being promoted as a peaceful demonstration. But SMDP officers have noted that violence has broken out between anti-vaccine demonstrators and counterprotesters at similar events in cities throughout California, including L.A., Long Beach and Oakland. SMPD has urged residents to report anything suspicious they may see leading up to and on the day of the rally, and register for the city’s emergency alert system. The department is also supporting local businesses that wish to board up storefronts in advance.

“Given the nature of this upcoming event and in an abundance of caution, this weekend you’ll see an increased uniformed police presence throughout the city, and in particular the downtown area,” Santa Monica Interim Police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said in a video statement uploaded to the department’s Facebook page on Wednesday.



"Hello, I am your interim Chief of Police, Jacqueline Seabrooks. This is the most recent in a series of safety messages I am sharing with our community concerning the Police Department’s unusual incident response planning and preparation. Recently, the Police Department’s Planning & Intelligence Unit received specific information regarding a rally that is scheduled to take place near the Pier on Sunday, August 29, 2021. The primary participants are those who have taken a position against COVID-19 vaccinations and against the wearing of protective masks. Currently available intelligence and information indicates opposition groups will very likely be in attendance as well.

As a Santa Monica community member, business owner, or visitor, you should know that the City of Santa Monica, and by extension, its Police Department values the ability of the public to engage in peacefully expressive conduct as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. On the other hand, we do take issue with those who come to our community specifically to intimidate—through violence or other criminal behavior—those who seek to peacefully exercise their Constitutional rights.

Given the nature of this upcoming event, and in an abundance of caution, this weekend, you will see an increased uniformed police presence throughout the City and in particular, the Downtown area. We are working with our municipal partners and other regional partners to ensure the Police Department is able to facilitate peaceful First Amendment activity even as we work to ensure a safe environment for our residents, business owners, and visitors. To assist us in our efforts in maintaining a safe community, last night, the Santa Monica City Council passed an emergency ordinance prohibiting possession of certain items while attending public assemblies or community events. Please visit the provided link below for more details on the prohibited items.

EMERGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA AMENDING SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 4.08.780

Thank you for your attention and don’t forget to mask up for community safety."

The Santa Monica City Council's adopted emergency ordinance bars people from bringing certain types of items to public protests, assemblies or community events. The list of banned items includes plastic pipes, baseball bats, aerosol sprays, weapons, glass bottles, chains longer than 20 inches, metal containers, shields, gas masks, helmets, body armor, bricks and rocks.
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