Thanksgiving cheer was nowhere to be found outside the Brentwood residence of AIPAC President Michael Tuchin, as protestors sparked pandemonium with an explosive demonstration featuring smoke bombs, and mock blood. The affluent L.A. neighborhood was rocked by chants and grisly props to condemn AIPAC's influence, prompting immediate backlash from city officials, with Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and LAPD Chief Michel Moore leading the charge against the violence.
"Hate and violence will not be tolerated in our City," Bass vowed in a swift response echoed on her social media, reinforcing that she had spoken with Chief Moore and those impacted by "yesterday's disturbing incident". As tensions flared, LAPD HQ tweeted that a hate crime investigation is underway, hunting clues to put the culprits before the bar of justice. The Major Crimes Division is spearheading the manhunt, examining video evidence to unmask those responsible for the vandalism, and the assault that shook the community.
The Department’s Major Crimes Division is investigating this incident as a hate crime. Video evidence and other information is being collected to identify those responsible for the vandalism and assault on a neighbor. https://t.co/aZEpXnGlYZ
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) November 24, 2023
Meanwhile, the People’s City Council-Los Angeles, alleged organizers of the debacle, did not hold their punches, with Hoodline reporting that protestors lambasted AIPAC's support for what they labeled "pro-genocide congressmembers," leaving residents aghast as the group declared, "AIPAC spends tens of millions to control pro-genocide congressmembers. (Expletive) your holiday baby killer!"
The LAPD was quick to the scene but implemented no arrests, even in the heat of the clash. As Hoodline detailed, the department's Public Information Officer disclosed that the force was keeping a vigilant watch over another protest at Pan Pacific Park, balancing the scales between public safety, and the sacrosanct right to protest.
