Clashes have broken out between the Los Angeles Police and pro-Trump rioters as a downtown rally for the outgoing US president turned destructive and violent.
The Los Angeles Police Department called the Trump rally an "unlawfully assembly" ahead of the protests similar to pro-Trump rally in Washington that turned into riot when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol as Congress was certifying the Electoral College's votes for Joe Biden’s victory in the November election.
The Los Angeles rally began on Wednesday morning, with protesters holding signs saying "Stop The Steal" and waving Trump flags.
Pro-Trump rioters also clashes with Black Lives Matter supporters.
"At approx 1:00 pm numerous pro-Trump & anti-trump protesters gathered at Downtown LA City Hall. Some of the pro-trump protesters attempted to take the intersection of 1st & Spring Street and they were met by anti-trump protesters, resulting in a physical confrontation," police tweeted around 5 p.m.
The Los Angeles police also made arrests after the gathering outside LA City Hall turned violent.
Video and pictures on the ground showed the LAPD in riot gear clearing the area.
Pro-Trump organizers of the event said 15 “patriotic organizations” were taking part in the demonstration “to demand the integrity and justice of the Nov. 3 election".
Trump has refused to concede the November election to Joe Biden, who defeated him in both popular and electoral votes by wide margins.
The outgoing US president has repeatedly claimed that the election was rigged and mounted multiple legal challenges to overturn the results.