May Day march: 1 arrested in downtown LA after burning American flag
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- At least one person seen burning an American flag was arrested in downtown Los Angeles, where the nation's largest May Day workers' rights marches took place.
President Donald Trump supporters held their own rally in downtown as tens of thousands of May Day marchers walked the streets to fight for minorities and workers' rights on Monday.
The Trump rally, however, was disrupted by masked protesters who burned at least one American flag. One of the suspects, who was not identified, was arrested by officers at the scene, near City Hall. Another demonstrator who threw rocks at Trump supporters was also arrested.
Thousands of protesters gathered in MacArthur Park to head toward downtown Los Angeles. The "May Day Coalition of Los Angeles," a network of more than 100 organizations, led the massive march, which has been dubbed "Resist Los Angeles."
In coming together, organizers and participants said the march was one of unity and resistance to the current Trump administration and what they believed has been efforts to weaken basic rights and freedoms to most Americans since the president took office.
At least two other separate marches were also taking place in Los Angeles. Under the banner "Full Rights for Immigrants," a procession went from Olympic Boulevard and Broadway to Broadway between First and Second streets.
Another march launched out of Boyle Heights in the afternoon, beginning at Cesar Chavez Avenue and Evergreen Street and ending at Mariachi Plaza at First and Boyle streets.
MORE: Why 23-year-old Dulce Sanchez marched on May Day
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said officers were out in full force to ensure the demonstration remained peaceful. He asked marchers to remember his department was there to help.
Los Angeles County Metro added extra rail services and security in anticipation of thousands participating in the May Day marches.
City News Service contributed to this report.
