Ninth Circuit Narrows Injunction on LA Protest Crowd Control

Appeals court says district court order was too broad in restricting police use of weapons against journalists and demonstrators.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:35pm

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A Ninth Circuit panel has ordered a district court to narrow its injunction that had restricted law enforcement's ability to use crowd control weapons against journalists and protesters throughout much of Southern California. The appeals court said the original order was too broad in providing relief that covered any protest in the Los Angeles area.

Why it matters

The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over police tactics used against protesters and journalists in Los Angeles. It highlights the complex balance between protecting free speech rights and maintaining public safety during demonstrations.

The details

The Ninth Circuit panel said the protesters and journalists are likely to succeed in claims that officers retaliated against them for exercising their First Amendment rights. However, the appeals court determined the district court's injunction was overly broad in its geographic scope, covering the entire Los Angeles region rather than being limited to specific protest sites.

  • The Ninth Circuit panel issued its order on April 1, 2026.

The players

Ninth Circuit

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, which has jurisdiction over federal district courts in several western states, including California.

Judge Ronald M. Gould

The Ninth Circuit judge who wrote the panel's order.

Judge Hernan D. Vera

The district court judge whose original injunction was narrowed by the Ninth Circuit panel.

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What they’re saying

“The injunction was too broad in providing relief that covers any protest in the Los Angeles area.”

— Judge Ronald M. Gould, Ninth Circuit Judge

What’s next

The district court will now need to revise its injunction to comply with the Ninth Circuit's narrower parameters.

The takeaway

This ruling underscores the complex legal issues surrounding the use of crowd control tactics by law enforcement during protests, as courts work to balance public safety concerns with the protection of First Amendment rights.