The Los Angeles Police Department is enhancing security efforts in an effort to prevent demonstrators from stealing the spotlight from Sunday’s star-studded night, according to reports.
In a report published Wednesday, the New York Times said the LAPD was increasing its presence at the Academy Awards in Hollywood in anticipation of protests relating to the Israel-Hamas War. One official, LAPD Cmdr. Randy Goddard, even suggested that at least one group “would like to stop the Academy Awards.”
“It’s going to be our goal to ensure that the Academy Awards is successful, that guests can arrive safely and get into the venue,” Goddard told the Times. “But, also, we are going to try very hard to make contact with the groups as they show up, and lay out the expectation that we as the police are here to support your First Amendment constitutional rights.”
The high alert comes amid a time of high tensions in Los Angeles surrounding the bloody conflict in Gaza.
Just on Tuesday, U.S. Senate frontrunner Adam Schiff’s victory speech following his primary win was interrupted in Hollywood by protesters chanting “ceasefire now.” Multiple protests in the area of the 110 Freeway have been staged in past months, including one that blocked traffic on the busy roadway.
According to the report, Goddard said protesters could block city streets ahead of the Oscars or even near Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, where the iconic awards show is set to take place.
The streets near the theatre are, of course, already closed as of Friday as crews prepare for the star-studded festivities.
