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Two Men In Custody After Carrying Rifles, Wearing Military Gear In ‘Peaceful Protest’

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Amber Randall Civil Rights Reporter
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Los Angeles police arrested two men openly carrying rifles in a “peaceful protest” Tuesday, after they protested through the night and shouted at officers.

The two men, wearing military gear, walked the streets of Inglewood Monday night carrying rifles, reports the Los Angeles Times. It continued until Tuesday morning, with the men driving through the city and shouting at police officers.

Inglewood police told the public to avoid the area of 104th Street and Crenshaw Boulevard after searching for and locating the two men. At least one armored car was also involved with the situation, according to news videos. Police also kept an eye on the two men on foot and by helicopter as they walked through the city.

The LAPD assistant chief said investigators are also looking into radio calls that suggest the men were waiting at a convenience store for police so they could open fire.

One of the men, who called himself “Tay S,” said it was a “peaceful protest” and within his rights.

“Let it be known that this is a peaceful protest and I’m within my constitutional rights. So if they violate that, that just goes to show how phony they are. That’s why they want to take the guns away — because once they do that, they can come in, rape your wife, rape your kids, because they got guns but you don’t,” he said, according to Abc 7.

A videographer with ANG News, identified as Jake, alleged that one person was carrying a sign reading “black lives matter.”

The Los Angeles Police Department began to track the two men early Tuesday morning and later took them into custody after performing an “investigative stop.” A police officer hit one of the men with a rubber bullet, and one of the men’s faces was bloody as police put him in handcuffs.

“We’re not completely clear on the intent yet. There’s still a lot of work to do,” said LAPD Deputy Chief Michael Downing.

Police got a warrant Tuesday and were able to search the men’s suspected residence. Officers found rifles at the apartment that matched the ones the men were seen carrying, as well as hatchets, ammunition and some backpacks.

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