Los Angeles Times

Role of extremist groups at California lockdown protests raises alarms

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - On Saturday afternoon, Pastor John DeBow watched with pride as his daughter defied social distancing edicts at the state Capitol by giving free haircuts to some of the people from across California who gathered again to protest remaining restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of coronavirus.

He was unaware that a few yards away, a contingent of Proud Boys, an alt-right organization, had set up a tent attached to the stage. Some members were walking through the crowd in camouflage tactical vests and their trademark black-and-yellow Fred Perry polo shirts.

But the Napa religious leader, who has taken to online preaching and plans to continue to honor the state's ban on in-person church services, said he was unbothered by their presence, though they have been deemed an extremist

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times4 min read
Commentary: I’m A Political Scientist And I’m Putting Myself On A Politics Diet For The 2024 Election
As a political scientist, I’ve long believed political competition to be the keystone of representative democracy. Yet in the 2024 election cycle, I’m consciously limiting my time, attention and contributions to politics. I’ve turned off the news and
Los Angeles Times2 min readCrime & Violence
Where Is Diddy? Sources Say Sean Combs Remains In US Amid Widening Sex Trafficking Probe
LOS ANGELES — Two days after federal authorities searched his homes in a probe of sex trafficking, Sean "Diddy" Combs remains in the United States and vows to fight the allegations, sources close to the music legend said. His 17,000-square-foot Holmb
Los Angeles Times5 min read
The Standoff At Gate 36: Texas Sends In The Troops To Block Migrants From Seeking Asylum
There was a time when migrants arriving here would cross the Rio Grande, make their way to a gate in the border fence and turn themselves into federal agents to claim asylum. That was before Texas Gov. Greg Abbott turned Gate 36 into a militarized zo

Related Books & Audiobooks