Demonstrators in LA on Sunday call for freedom for the Iranian people

LOS ANGELES — A large crowd of demonstrators gathered Sunday near the Federal Building in the Westwood area to call for freedom for the Iranian people in the wake of this weekend’s U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran that killed that nation’s Supreme Leader Ali Hosseini Khamenei.

Some streets were closed to traffic near the Federal Building on Wilshire Boulevard, and LA Metro Line 602 buses were detouring from Kinross Avenue to Weyburn Avenue between Veteran Avenue and Westwood Boulevard until at least 6 p.m.

The off-ramps to Wilshire Boulevard from the San Diego (405) Freeway were also closed in both directions Sunday.

The gathering came one day before nationwide demonstrations are scheduled against the U.S.-led military attack, including one at Los Angeles City Hall.

The group ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) has designated March 2 a National Day of Action, with demonstrations scheduled in at least 33 cities following a series of emergency rallies held just hours after Saturday’s military strikes.

“[On Saturday] the Trump administration along with Israel launched an unprovoked, illegal war on Iran,” the group said on social media. “Immediately, people hit the streets to express the majority sentiment in this country: we reject another endless war for regime change! Continue the anti-war outpouring this Monday as part of a coordinated day of action!

“This conflict has the potential to quickly expand into a devastating regional war, which will bring unthinkable death and destruction. Already, other countries in the region have been drawn into the war. Trump is lying when he says that Iran poses any kind of threat to the United States. But a mass anti-war movement can put a stop to this senseless and illegal war of aggression.”

The Los Angeles rally is set for 6 p.m. Monday at 200 N. Spring St. Other California rallies are scheduled in Ventura, San Francisco and San Jose.

Demonstrations took place in Los Angeles over the weekend, with some people protesting the Trump administration’s action while others, mainly Iranian-Americans in the Westwood area, celebrating the death of Khamenei and calling for freedom for the Iranian people.

As the conflict continued Sunday, military officials said three U.S. service members were killed and five seriously wounded. An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 U.S. troops are currently serving in the region.

“You have crossed our red line and must pay the price,” Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, said in a televised address Sunday. “We will deliver such devastating blows that you yourselves will be driven to beg.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian echoed the call to avenge Khamenei’s death.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran considers seeking justice and retaliation against those responsible for this historic crime — both its perpetrators and those who ordered it — a duty and a legitimate right, and it will pursue this responsibility with full determination.”

On his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump warned Iran against escalating its retaliatory attacks. “They better not do that,” he wrote. “If they do, we will hit them with a force that has never been seen before!”

Meanwhile, local and state officials said they are continuing to monitor for potential threats closer to home.

“We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles’ public safety amid military action in the Middle East,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement over the weekend. “While there are no known credible threats at this time, LAPD has stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces, and other areas of the city, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our city.

“We understand that many Angelenos are affected and deeply concerned, and encourage everyone to voice their views in a peaceful way.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also said it was “closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. We are in communication with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and will continue to assess any potential impacts to Los Angeles County. At this time, there are no known credible threats to our community. However, out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the department has increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said state officials were also monitoring the situation.

“California is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and the surrounding region. Our homeland security and emergency management teams are working with federal partners to prepare for any impacts here at home,” the governor’s office said. “The State Threat Assessment Center is actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners. There is no specific or credible threat to California at this time, and we remain fully prepared and vigilant.”