Dozens Arrested After Authorities Fire Tear Gas at 'No Kings' Protest

Demonstrators allege excessive force used against peaceful rally in Los Angeles

Mar. 29, 2026 at 9:21pm

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More than 70 protesters were arrested on Saturday evening in Los Angeles after authorities fired tear gas and pepper balls into the crowd of 'No Kings' demonstrators, leaving at least one teen with an eye injury and others with skin burns, according to eyewitness accounts.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings' protest movement has gained momentum across the country, with activists calling for the abolition of monarchies and hereditary political power. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between protesters and law enforcement over the use of force against peaceful assemblies.

The details

Demonstrators reported that the confrontation began after the protest had been underway for several hours, with authorities claiming the crowd had become unruly. However, protesters maintain that the rally was peaceful and that the police response was excessive, including the use of tear gas and less-lethal projectiles that injured multiple participants.

  • The 'No Kings' protest took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026 in Los Angeles.

The players

No Kings Protesters

A group of activists participating in a demonstration against monarchies and hereditary political power.

Los Angeles Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the 'No Kings' protest and used tear gas and other crowd control tactics against the demonstrators.

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What they’re saying

“We were exercising our right to peacefully assemble, and the police responded with excessive force that left several of us injured. This is unacceptable and we will continue to fight for our freedoms.”

— Samantha Flores, Protest Organizer

What’s next

Authorities have stated they will review the police response to the protest, and protest organizers have vowed to pursue legal action against the city for the alleged use of disproportionate force.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and activists exercising their First Amendment rights, and the need for greater accountability and de-escalation training for police when responding to large-scale demonstrations.