Large numbers of rioters and protestors gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night causing disturbances near the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters.

Authorities have not yet stated why the demonstration took place, which appeared to be spontaneous, but the presence of Black Lives Matter signs suggest that the demonstration was in response to a the shooting of 31-year old Jonathan Price. Price was killed by police after intervening in a domestic feud, the officer responsible has been charged with his death.

Rioters gathered in front of the LAPD headquarters and spread out throughout the neighbourhood by smashing windows and damaging local storefronts.

A smashed out bus stop. pic.twitter.com/tsrxcj6GZc

— Tomas Morales (@TomasMorales_iv) October 6, 2020

Other reports have suggested that the group outside of the LAPD headquarters had split from an unrelated protest regarding the ongoing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The group was gathered in front of LAPD headquarters near Main and First streets around 9:40 p.m.,” Fox News reported. “Officers stood on guard as demonstrators, some carrying umbrellas, tore down barriers outside the building.” At least one protester was arrested.

Police also dispersed rioters who surrounded the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement building.

Portland police are clearing out the agitators away from the ICE building.

pic.twitter.com/3sAM7hdh4e

— Tomas Morales (@TomasMorales_iv) October 7, 2020

“Videos on social media showed a few of the protesters breaking windows at a building near where the group was situated. A type of smoke bomb or device was apparently also set off during the protest,” reported Fox News, citing local news networks. Video footage was captured by on the ground journalists and shared on social media.

Los Angeles: Antifa / BLM black bloc militants breaking into empty store fronts in downtown LA. Police are following an blocking intersections. pic.twitter.com/7Tw1rYxY7b

— Kalen From Scriberr (@FromKalen) October 6, 2020

Los Angeles is one of many cities besieged by riots stemming from the Black Lives Matter movement to defund the police following the George Floyd death in late May.

LAPD today reported that the "spasm of violence" caused tens of thousands of dollars of damage to city property.