A KKK leader said that he tried to enlist security from the Anaheim Police Department before a rally that turned violent on Saturday, but that the police declined.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Will Quigg said he asked the police for security and was told “We don’t do that.” When he said he’d contract a private security firm instead, he says they replied, “No, you can’t do that either.”
Police Sgt. Daron Wyatt painted the conversation in a different light, saying it sounded like Quigg wanted the police to act as personal security for the KKK members to protect them from their protestors. “He was told how to contract for officers to do that, but did not want to spend the money,” Wyatt told the AP.
Wyatt says there were indeed officers on the scene, but wouldn’t say how many, and claimed they called for backup which arrived less than two minutes after the brawl broke out. Critics argued that a heightened police presence would have been more responsible in the event that resulted in three stabbings and more injuries.
[AP]
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- Coco Gauff Is Playing for Herself Now
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- If You're Dating Right Now , You're Brave: Column
- The AI That Could Heal a Divided Internet
- Fallout Is a Brilliant Model for the Future of Video Game Adaptations
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com