The fire burned unchecked inside, no firefighters in sight. Lazier than I am, unless I am confronted with a crisis! "McMillan stressed that members decry the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd "or anybody else that was a victim of police misconduct or police abuse. Moments later, Union Bank next door was engulfed, as well.Some looters also headed to Grossmont Center mall, breaching a Walmart.Meanwhile, scores of police surrounded Fashion Valley mall in case threats that people would storm the shopping center turned out to be valid. At the same time, some dozen or so police vehicles descended on the area from nearby streets in what appeared to be a planned operation.With the parking lot on the south side of the station emptied out, police and sheriffs deputies advanced their position, moving off the front of the station and into the parking lot where protesters had been.Later, the confrontation moved to the street, with officers firing less-lethal rounds at protesters taunting them across the road.Ethan Kilgore was hit with tear gas while he and a line of other white protesters faced off with officers in front of the station.“We weren’t advancing or anything,” said a shoeless, visibly shaken Kilgore, who was on his knees as water dripped down his face.He said he saw officers on the roof of the station begin shooting gas and rubber bullets toward the crowd.In Mission Valley, police flooded the perimeter of Fashion Valley mall to defend it from potential looters. Most wore the color black and chanted phrases that have come to symbolize the movement: “I can’t breathe,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “George Floyd, say his name.”Protesters started in front of La Mesa Police Department, then took over traffic lanes of University Avenue before being stopped by California Highway Patrol officers who spread out across the freeway entrance at Baltimore Drive.After a tense 15-minute standoff on a bridge, the protesters broke through the line. She brought her daughter and young son to the La Mesa protest. We will continue to work tirelessly to build trust, establish clear policies, ensure consistent training, and maintain open and honest dialogue with our communities.”Get alerts on severe weather, road closures and other major breaking news. "I am concerned that mostly white vigilante groups like La Mesa Civil Defense will target non-white people and further divide our community. "That is when the next round of tomfoolery will begin. … La Mesa Facebook Group Seeks To Deter Looters After Violent Riots City News Service 6/3/2020 US coronavirus: Covid-19 is more widespread than ever in the US, even hitting Americans living on islands Similar phrases were painted on the side of CHP cars on the freeway entrance ramp.Starting around 6 p.m., police began deploying what appeared to be pepper balls and tear gas to try to disperse a large crowd that had gathered around the police headquarters and appeared to be growing as new participants joined.Some demonstrators hurled rocks, paint and water bottles at an armored vehicle parked nearby. "La Mesa city officials including Police Chief Walt Vasquez did not immediately respond to requests for comment. But we're not going to have our businesses ruined or looted, our people robbed or people beaten. No gossip. "When Tauber asked if they were armed, Boyton replied, "Absolutely. Neither did the Heartland Fire and Rescue Department.Councilwoman Akilah Weber, who said she was not aware of the group until contacted, said, "I will speak with Alessio this afternoon when we meet. Our profession must do better. I have seen horrible and racist social media posts from several members of La Mesa Civil Defense. Posts about shooting anyone will be deleted and you will be removed.
LA MESA, CA — La Mesa residents and business owners have begun a Facebook group to form a civilian force aimed at deterring looting and arson, but one member Tuesday expressed concern that the effort could devolve into vigilantism. Two helicopters circled overhead.He had heard protesters were telling the crowd over loudspeakers to move to the mall.By 7:30 p.m., when Lebel left the property, he said no protesters were on site.Lebel said the activity was hard to digest, considering the turmoil his business has been through during the pandemic.La Mesa City Councilwoman Dr. Akilah Weber posted on Twitter and Facebook Saturday evening: “My Fellow La Mesans — This has been a very difficult week for many of us. "The group also says of itself, "This is not a forum for discussion of the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. It’s really sad that we have to do that but it’s 2020 and all of us need to have our voices be heard.”Desmond Collins of La Mesa, 55, said he doesn’t usually participate in protests.