Dodgers fans celebrating their win in Los Angeles last night were dispersed with tear gas after police officers were hit with fireworks and bottles.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced the authorization of less-than-lethal munitions at Olympic and Grand Avenue in the early hours of Sunday morning. “CS gas has been authorized by the Incident Commander,” said a tweet from the department posted at 2:26 a.m. “Officers are being hit by industrial size fireworks and bottles.”
An initial “Dispersal Order” had been announced in downtown LA around 12:30 a.m. Throughout the night, police reported large groups gathering at various intersections around the city. Less-than-lethal munitions were also authorized around 1:20 a.m. in the area of Sunset and Echo Park, due to “industrial size fireworks being launched into a crowd of people and at officers.”
It is not immediately clear if any officers or residents were injured during the disturbances.
Photos from the night show officers in riot gear, some mounted on horseback, attempting to control the rowdy crowd. Fans were setting off fireworks, and some were performing car stunts such as doing donuts and burning out tires at 9th Street and Hope Street. According to police, approximately 350 to 400 people were gathered at that intersection.
A Waymo vehicle was heavily vandalized during the celebrations. Pictures show its windows smashed and the entire car covered in spray paint.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass encouraged locals to enjoy the victory but condemned unruly and violent behavior. “Once again, we showed the world that LA is the city of champions,” she wrote on X. “Celebrate safely and responsibly tonight, Dodgers fans. LAPD is on heightened alert and coordinating with regional law enforcement. There will be no tolerance for anyone who tries to take advantage of this win.”
Despite the disturbances, other celebrations across the city remained peaceful. Fans decked out in Dodgers apparel danced and cheered in the streets in a festive atmosphere.
President Donald Trump congratulated the World Series champions and extended an invitation to visit the White House.
The unruly celebrations came following the Dodgers’ Game 7 win over the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings. The team secured a 5-4 victory after catcher Will Smith hit the go-ahead home run in the 11th inning.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Game 6 starter, closed out the game with a double play for the win.
This championship marked the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title, making them the first team to capture back-to-back titles since the New York Yankees achieved the feat in 1999 and 2000.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/mlb/article-15250757
