Los Angeles City Hall was evacuated on Friday afternoon after a man drove onto its steps and displayed a note addressed to President Donald Trump. The incident occurred just after 4 p.m. local time, prompting a response from the Los Angeles Police Department.
The driver barricaded himself inside his car and held up handwritten signs reading “Don’t Want To Hurt No Body” and “I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET,” according to KTLA. He was also seen holding an oxygen tank. A SWAT team was deployed, and crisis negotiators attempted to communicate with the man.
After two hours, the driver exited the vehicle with his arms raised and was taken into custody “without further incident,” the LAPD said. No injuries were reported. Surrounding streets and freeway off-ramps were closed during the response but were reopened by 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed the evacuation was carried out “out of an abundance of caution” and praised first responders for resolving the situation “safely with compassion and urgency.” The LAPD bomb squad remained on scene to ensure the area was secure.
