Statement from the City of Long Beach Regarding Counterterrorism Investigation
On Sunday, April 28, 2019, commencing at 10 a.m., a protest took place at Bluff Park in Long Beach, California. Weeks prior, a rally had been advertised at that location and associated with the United Patriots National Front (UPNF). The protest originated to counter the ideology of the UPNF. Members of the UPNF did not show up at the location, however approximately 200 counter-protesters were present.
To protect the safety of the community and everyone’s constitutional rights, the protest was heavily monitored by the Long Beach Police Department, and it concluded peacefully.
Leading up to event, the LBPD worked closely with regional and federal partners to review and assess information related to the event. On Friday evening, April 26, 2019, in advance of the event, law enforcement arrested an individual who intended to commit an act of violence at the event. After the arrest, there was no indication that attendees of Sunday’s event were at risk. However, LBPD, along with law enforcement partners, continued to monitor the situation throughout the day.
The LBPD continually works with partner law enforcement agencies, including federal agencies, during special events and throughout the year. The City of Long Beach expresses sincere gratitude to the United States Attorney’s Office, the Joint Terrorism Task Force which includes local and federal partners, and our Police Department, for their important collaborative work that kept, and continues to keep, our diverse community safe.
“The arrest of this suspect took a highly dangerous person off the street who wanted to cause enormous harm to Long Beach and our community,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “We take every threat seriously and I’m incredibly thankful for the work of the Long Beach Police Department and our law enforcement partners, especially the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI.”
“Due to the ongoing and close coordination with our outside partners, and the contingency plans that were developed, we were confident that the safety of our community members was never compromised,” said Long Beach Police Chief Robert Luna.
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Have they released the name of the suspect in this arrest? Perhaps, by doing so, the public will be able to assist with helpful information, in relation to that individual. It is very good to hear that the LBPD and the Joint Terrorism Task Force worked together to apprehend a suspect, and prevented what could have been a huge tragedy! Eternal thank you to the respective agencies for their heroic actions!
Racists on both sides. Just look at the black man's sign saying Unite to Smash White in large letters. Regardless of what is says in the fine print. The message is clear and fuels the far right.
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