A disturbing video from Los Angeles has ignited public outrage after capturing what appears to be a protester being trampled and kicked by police horses during immigration-related demonstrations. The footage, which surfaced on social media on June 9, 2025, documents a chaotic scene unfolding as officers on horseback confront protestors opposing recent ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids across the city. The clip, filmed from an aerial perspective and shared by the account @hearinladotcom, shows a man on the ground as several mounted officers close in, with some of their horses making direct contact with him. As the individual attempts to rise, he is forcibly taken down by another officer on foot.
The viral video, now seen by over 400,000 people, sparked immediate reactions online. In a separate but related video posted by independent journalist Aldo Buttazzoni, the same incident is captured from ground level. Buttazzoni clarified that he couldn’t determine what transpired before the incident or what happened to the man afterward, as law enforcement had cordoned off the area, restricting visibility and access. The videos have stirred significant discussion and debate, especially regarding the use of mounted units in crowd control situations, and whether such tactics constitute excessive force.
Amid the online discourse, some social media users speculated that the man may have attempted to harm officers by pouring gasoline in their path, allegedly intending to ignite it. One user claimed the protester tried to “trap” the mounted police and was consequently subdued. However, no official confirmation or concrete evidence has been provided to support these claims. The nature of the incident remains unclear, and law enforcement agencies have not yet released a formal statement or identification of the man involved.
Public reaction to the footage has been swift and intense. Many have condemned the officers’ actions, labeling the scene as brutal and unjust. Comparisons were drawn to other high-profile incidents of excessive force, with one commenter noting how such images often serve as a flashpoint for broader civil unrest. Others pointed out that regardless of the man’s intentions, the optics of a person being trampled while lying unarmed on the ground evoke a sense of injustice and disproportionately aggressive policing.
The protests, which began late last week, were triggered by a wave of ICE operations across Los Angeles. In response to the demonstrations, President Donald Trump deployed 2,000 National Guard troops to the city, escalating tensions further. Over the course of the weekend, at least 56 people were arrested. The use of federal troops and reports of police violence have only amplified public concern and fueled ongoing demonstrations. As more footage and testimonies surface, the incident is likely to continue sparking nationwide debate over police conduct, immigration enforcement, and the right to protest.
