A violent protest Sunday at a Los Angeles synagogue prompted Mayor Karen Bass to say the city should consider rules governing demonstrations and the wearing of masks by those protesting. Bass did not offer a proposal but said the city needed to look at the issue — including “the idea of people wearing masks at protests” and permits for demonstrations. A number of pro-Palestinian protesters had their faces covered Sunday, reports the Los Angeles Times. During the Los Angeles City Council meeting on Tuesday, Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky introduced a motion to identify additional resources for security services for places of worship as the city waits for $40 million in promised state funding for nonprofit security grants.
Yaroslavsky said Los Angeles is a city of diversity and mutual respect that values Americans’ right to protest, “but we will not tolerate violence, intimidation or any act that seeks to divide us.” Hours after the clashes, the mayor ordered the Los Angeles Police Department to increase patrols in the heavily Jewish Pico-Robertson area where the protest occurred and at religious venues. Masks have been a part of many pro-Palestinian protests over the war in Gaza, as well as some in support of Israel, including on college campuses, and their use has spurred debate. When a mob attacked a pro-Palestinian camp at UCLA in May, it was difficult to identify suspects because many wore masks hiding their identities. Police said they would use technology that captures facial images and outlines and compares them with other photos on the internet and social media to put names to faces. Interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi told the Police Commission on Tuesday that investigators were working with federal agencies to identify those who committed crimes during Sunday’s melee outside the synagogue. A pro-Israel demonstrator who was carrying a sharp pole was arrested, and two incidents of battery were reported during the conflict. Two officers and others were affected by a chemical irritant that was used by a pro-Palestinian protester whom the department is seeking to identify.