Photo: Courtesy of PYM LA-OC-IE
(LOS ANGELES, CA – 9/3/2025) – The Greater Los Angeles Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-LA) today condemned the recent violence at an anti-genocide protest as “completely unacceptable” after a counter-protester was reportedly physically assaulted in Santa Monica. CAIR-LA also emphasized the importance of protecting free speech rights during emotionally charged times.
SEE: Hate crime investigation underway in Santa Monica
On Sunday, Aug. 31, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) responded to reports of battery at Palisades Park, where a group of anti-genocide protesters was holding a demonstration.
A counter-protester reportedly told officers that anti-genocide demonstrators surrounded and physically assaulted him. The circumstances leading up to the incident remain unclear.
The SMPD is currently investigating the incident as a possible hate crime. CAIR-LA calls on SMPD to investigate the actions by all those involved in this incident and any possibility of an instigator’s role.
In a statement, CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush said:
“We unequivocally condemn the use of violence in any form at peaceful protests, regardless of the background of the perpetrators or victims. The actions of these individuals are completely unacceptable and do not represent the tens of millions of Americans who have peacefully advocated, marched, and spoken out in support of Palestinian human rights.
“Isolated incidents of violence, such as this, are often exploited by pro-genocide actors in an attempt to delegitimize the anti-genocide movement to distract from the real issue at hand: Israel’s ongoing campaign of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and forced starvation of Palestinian men, women, and children in Gaza. During a time when emotions are high, it is especially vital to protect the right to free speech and peaceful protest of all Americans.”
To report any bias incidents, contact CAIR-LA’s Civil Rights Department at (714) 776-1177 (ext. 2) or click here to file a report.
CAIR-LA is Southern California’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice and empower American Muslims.
– END –
CONTACT: CAIR-LA Communications Manager Enjy El-Kadi, (714) 851-4851 or eelkadi@cair.com; CAIR-LA Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com
