President Joe Biden on Monday condemned violent clashes between pro-Palestinian demonstrators and pro-Israel counterprotesters outside a Los Angeles synagogue Sunday, saying he was “appalled” by the incident.
“Intimidating Jewish congregants is dangerous, unconscionable, antisemitic, and un-American,” Biden wrote in an X post . “Americans have a right to peaceful protest. But blocking access to a house of worship — and engaging in violence — is never acceptable.”
Los Angeles police said Monday that officers responded to a protest in the Pico-Robertson neighborhood of the city that involved “several physical altercations” between the two groups, resulting in two reported batteries, both of which will be investigated.
One individual was arrested, cited and released for having a spiked post, according to police, though they did not specify which protest group the person was affiliated with. They added that officers will conduct additional patrols around places of worship.
Social media posts from activist groups indicated pro-Palestinian protesters were targeting a real estate event held at the Adas Torah synagogue to denounce Israeli settlements in the West Bank .
Other political leaders weighed in Sunday, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said there was “no excuse for targeting a house of worship” and that “antisemitic hatred has no place in California.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident “abhorrent” and said she will meet with law enforcement and faith leaders this week.
A budget agreement released Saturday by Newsom and state legislative leaders includes funding to combat antisemitism and support Jewish groups, including $5 million to expand a Holocaust education program and $80 million annually through 2025 for a nonprofit security grant program.
The California Legislative Jewish Caucus has in recent months also advanced a package of bills meant to counteract antisemitism, particularly on college campuses.
Caucus members said they were "horrified" by Sunday's events and have been in contact with Newsom and Bass.
"Targeting a synagogue or any other house of worship is reprehensible and those who are responsible must be held fully accountable," the caucus said in a statement Monday. "This funding is vital to protecting the Jewish community and others targeted by hate."
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