Los Angeles, June 11, 2025 — As tensions escalate throughout California, a strict curfew has been issued in Los Angeles after days of widespread demonstrations that have become increasingly violent. Protesters were outraged over racial injustice, police conduct, and federal response; their anger finally reaching its boiling point after Governor Gavin Newsom publicly denounced former President Donald Trump for what he described as reckless rhetoric and incendiary actions taken during his term in office.
Curfew hours will run from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. to curb violence and looting that have surfaced during recent demonstrations in Los Angeles. Authorities deployed National Guard soldiers across key points including downtown, Hollywood and South Central as incidents of vandalism continued with clashes between them and law enforcement continuing throughout the night.
Governor Newsom addressed media in Sacramento and directly blamed Donald Trump for fomenting division instead of seeking peace. Newsom stated: “This is not leadership – this is provocation!” At a time when Californians demand justice and reform, Mr. Trump seems content to pour more fuel on the fire by sowing seeds of division and chaos.
Trump made his remarks following a viral social media post earlier this week where he encouraged “show of strength” against what he termed domestic insurgents, sparking backlash from civil rights organizations and Democratic leaders who accused Trump of encouraging excessive force against demonstrators protesters.
Over the past three nights, Los Angeles has witnessed hundreds of arrests due to curfew violations and unlawful assemblies. While most protests during the daytime were peaceful, evening events quickly turned chaotic with stores being ransacked and vehicles set ablaze during isolated incidents. Law enforcement confirmed dozens of police officers being injured as well as 15 civilians being hospitalized from these clashes.
Mayor Karen Bass lauded the curfew decision, emphasizing its goal to protect both protesters and property. Bass stated, “We support protest as an essential right,” yet violence cannot define any movement; therefore the curfew serves to restore order and prevent harm to both individuals and properties.
Protesters at City Hall and Staples Center say the real harm lies in longstanding systemic injustice. “We aren’t here because of one tweet or speech,” explained Alicia Moore, an East LA student activist: “we’re here because people are dying while justice remains delayed time after time.
Demonstrations have also spread to major Californian cities like San Diego, San Jose and Oakland with similar themes: police reform and accountability are sought in all three cities. Governor Newsom recently reiterated his administration’s pledge to push statewide measures that include banning certain crowd control tactics as well as creating an independent oversight commission.
White House officials have yet to officially respond to Newsom’s latest criticism; however, Trump allies have defended his stance as law and order-oriented. Political analysts warn that increasing tensions could widen national divide ahead of midterm elections in 2018.
At present, Los Angeles prepares for yet another night under curfew as calls for justice continue reverberate across its streets. Whether or not
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