LAPD Backs Officers Who Pointed Guns at Homeless People on Venice Beach

The Los Angeles Police Department has backed the actions of officers who were filmed raising guns toward a group of people at a homeless encampment in Venice, California, on July 25, telling media they were responding to a report of armed assault.

In this video, officers can be seen handcuffing several people outside tents, and heard telling them to “go down to the ground.” At least eight officers appear in the video, which shows police inspecting tents after people are detained.

The LAPD issued a statement to Insider on August 3 that said officers were responding to a radio call warning of an assault with a deadly weapon.

According to Insider, Officer Norma Eisenman said, “Officers arrived, the witness pointed out the tent with the alleged male with a handgun and tactical deployed.” The alleged weapon turned out to be a pellet gun, which is not illegal in California, Insider reported.

The footage was posted to YouTube on July 25 by Wanderer Nirvana, who said he was manning his vending space when the incident began. Credit: Wanderer Nirvana via Storyful