Reporter denies there are riots in LA while chaos unfolds behind him
A local TV reporter in Los Angeles questioned whether the city's violent unrest qualified as rioting - even as a fire burned behind him live on the air. 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. He made the remarks as black smoke billowed into the air behind him and a loud explosion could be heard in the distance.
During the segment, ABC7 anchor Jory Rand asked whether those responsible for torching five vehicles were 'a group that splintered off,' 'making it look like it's a lot worse than the situation actually playing out on the ground.' '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.
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 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.
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