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LAPD Declares Unlawful Assembly, 6 Arrested After Fights Erupt While Trump Supporters Rally In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Police declared an unlawful assembly near City Hall Wednesday after multiple fights erupted as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump rallied in front of Los Angeles City Hall.

The LAPD and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department were monitoring the situation in Washington, D.C., according to spokespersons for both departments.

"We do support peaceful protests," said Deputy Trina Schrader. "However we urge everyone to keep in mind we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 concerns, and we urge everyone to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing."

People stood along Spring Street holding flags and carrying signs reading "Stop the Steal," while others circled the area in their vehicles.

More: Congresswoman: Capitol Building Takeover An 'Attempted Coup'

CBSLA photographer John Schreiber was on the scene as a fight broke out between a crowd on Spring and First Street.

Shortly after the brawl, another fight erupted, and what appeared to be a smoke bomb was released.

One bloodied man could be seen being taken away by police. He was directed to the Los Angeles Fire Department's command post for evaluation.

The LAPD said six people were arrested at that protest. Three of them were taken into custody on suspicion of carrying unpermitted items while attending a public demonstration, two on suspicion of failing to disperse and one for resisting or obstructing an officer.

Organizers of the event said 15 "patriotic organizations" were taking part in the demonstration "to demand the integrity and justice of the Nov. 3 election."

More: Thousands Occupy US Capitol Building In Electoral College Protest; Lawmakers Evacuated

Trump has vociferously insisted that voter fraud led to his defeat in the election to Democrat Joe Biden, though his multiple legal challenges in various states have been rejected due to lack of evidence.

Officials in states across the country, including the Republican election officials in the battleground state of Georgia, have flatly denied any impropriety in the election.

Hundreds of Trump supporters rallied in Washington, D.C., Wednesday as Congress met, and the president spoke to the crowd.

Following Trump's speech, hundreds of people in the crowd stormed the Capitol Mall, prompting evacuations of some buildings and forcing a lockdown of the Senate and House chambers.

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)

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