In Los Angeles, a local TV reporter raised doubts about whether the violent disturbances in the city could be classified as riots, all while a fire raged in the background during a live broadcast.
Tim Caputo, a reporter for ABC7, maintained that the majority of participants in the protests were mainly individuals recording videos or waving flags, according to his on-site coverage.
He made the remarks as black smoke billowed into the air behind him and a loud explosion could be heard in the distance.
In the broadcast, Jory Rand, an anchor at ABC7, inquired whether those who set fire to five vehicles were possibly a separate faction, implying that their actions might exaggerate the severity of the situation compared to what was really unfolding on the streets.
‘That’s the quintessential question when you have rallies, demonstrations, riots, if you will,’ Caputo replied.
‘I wouldn’t go as far to call it that. I know president Trump had tweeted about riots and looting – I don’t know that I would characterize it that way.’
As the broadcast showed aerial images of cars on fire, Caputo directed his cameraman away from rising smoke.
‘From what we’ve seen… the vast majority are people taking videos, people waving flags, people walking around, people wanting to be part of the cause, wanting to have their voices heard, and wanting to show the power of numbers and the power of force,’ the reporter said.
![ABC7 reporter Tim Caputo insisted that the 'vast majority' of protestors involved in the demonstrations were 'people taking videos [and] people waving flags' during his one-the-ground report](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/06/09/15/99180685-14794415-image-m-4_1749477885871.jpg)
ABC7 reporter Tim Caputo insisted that the ‘vast majority’ of protestors involved in the demonstrations were ‘people taking videos [and] people waving flags’ during his one-the-ground report
Caputo went on to say that the majority of protestors were ‘people walking around, people wanting to be part of the cause, wanting to have their voices heard, and wanting to show the power of numbers and the power of force’
The clip was quickly re-shared on social media, earning swift criticism from viewers.
‘If you take out the really violent stuff it’s relatively peaceful,’ one X user joked.
‘He thinks we have no eyes to see,’ another chimed.
‘Is this AI,’ a third quipped.
The chaos was triggered Friday by immigration raids that resulted in dozens of arrests of what authorities say are illegal migrants and gang members.
Police ordered the public to disperse from downtown overnight after an intense day of demonstrations in the region. Around 300 National Guard troops were deployed to the region, spurring anger and fear among many residents.
By noon local time on Sunday, hundreds had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles, where Caputo was reporting.
Protesters there approached members of the federal agency and were fired upon with control munitions.
The clip was quickly re-shared on social media , earning swift criticism from viewers
By noon local time on Sunday, hundreds had gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown Los Angeles
President Trump has said the National Guard was necessary because Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democrats have failed to quell recent protests targeting immigration agents
The group then moved to block traffic on the 101 freeway. The 300 guards called to the crisis have were seen using tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash bangs to control the crowds.
President Trump has said the National Guard was necessary because Gov. Gavin Newsom and other Democrats have failed to quell recent protests targeting immigration agents.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a staunch Trump ally, endorsed the president’s move, doubling down Trump’s recent criticisms of California democrats and their cooperation with his orders.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris, who lives in Los Angeles, said the immigration arrests and Guard deployment were designed as part of a ‘cruel, calculated agenda to spread panic and division.’
