Los Angeles Business Owners Voice Frustration Over Violent Protests and Looting

Los Angeles Business Owners Voice Frustration Over Violent Protests and Looting

In a series of interviews, business owners in Los Angeles have expressed deep frustration towards the recent anti-ICE protests that escalated into widespread looting and violence. The chaos over the weekend has left many feeling unsafe and disillusioned with local leadership.

Paul Scrivano, a local business owner, articulated his anger during an appearance on Fox & Friends First. He stated, “We are sick and tired of it. We have no one in charge. I would go so far as to say we have children in charge of Los Angeles right now.” Scrivano’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among business owners, who are grappling with the fallout from the unrest.

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) quickly transformed into violent riots, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops alongside at least 500 Marines. Their presence is aimed at restoring order and preventing further destruction.

Bursting Into Businesses

The riots were marked by extensive vandalism and theft, with footage capturing looters ransacking various stores across the city. Though major retail chains like Apple experienced significant losses, local businesses found themselves caught in the crossfire of this chaos.

Nathan’s Jewelers, a family-run establishment operating since 1987, faced troubling circumstances as rioters targeted its location. The store’s owner revealed that this incident isn’t an isolated occurrence, highlighting a troubling pattern of riots impacting local commerce.

A Business Owner’s Despair

The anguish of the jewelers extended beyond material losses. The store owner’s daughter voiced her concerns, describing the situation as “very crazy” and “very sad,” particularly since their shop lacks insurance coverage for damages incurred during such disturbances.

Another poignant reflection came from the owner himself, who said, “I don’t sell jewelry. I sell costume jewelry. I’m not a big guy. I’m not a big fish.” His words captured the challenging reality faced by many small business owners who feel overlooked amid the larger conversation of political unrest.

Looting Disguised as Protest

Monty, the owner of Bargain2Perfumes, shared his outrage regarding the actions of the rioters. He contended that the situation had strayed far from a protest aimed at calling attention to anti-ICE sentiments. Instead, Monty argued that it devolved into a mere opportunity for theft.

He elaborated, “This is so ridiculous. This doesn’t look like they’re protesting for ICE or anything. They are doing this just for the looting of the stores. I saw they’re breaking into the Apple store. They’re breaking into the Adidas store. This is not them protesting.” His expressions echo similar sentiments shared by fellow merchants affected by the violence.

Calls for Accountability

Scrivano, alongside other business owners, has pointed fingers at local leadership for failing to address the situation decisively. He emphasized that a robust response is necessary to curb the violence, stating, “The only way it’s going to stop is if many troops come in, round them up, put them in the back of trucks and bring them into a cell.” This stark statement highlights the urgency many feel in restoring order in their communities.

Scrivano further remarked, “We have a lot of empty jail cells here in Los Angeles. We need to put them in jail cells, as many as we possibly can. If it’s thousands, it’s thousands. Send them back to where they came from, wherever they came from. They are not from L.A. That’s how we have to get rid of this.” Such declarations underscore a looming sense of desperation among businesses seeking stability.

Political Tensions Rise

California Governor Gavin Newsom has countered Trump’s deployment of federal troops, asserting that the protests were largely nonviolent and that military intervention was unwarranted. In a bid to block Trump’s actions, Newsom filed an emergency motion, thus intensifying the ongoing political discourse.

The contrasting perspectives surrounding the protests and the responses to them reflect the broader tensions within the community and the state. Business owners continue to grapple with the aftermath of violence, while political leaders navigate the complexities of public sentiment and safety.

Facing Uncertain Futures

As businesses in Los Angeles navigate a turbulent landscape marked by protests and looting, the path forward remains uncertain. Owners like Scrivano and Monty are not just fighting for their enterprises but also advocating for a community where lawlessness does not prevail.

With the ongoing turmoil, local businesses risk suffering from long-term consequences. The challenges they face today highlight a deeper need for collaborative discussions on how to ensure the safety and prosperity of Los Angeles amidst complex social issues.