LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Police responded to the Museum of Tolerance on Wednesday evening when several fights broke out surrounding the screening of footage showing the Hamas attack on Israel.
The 43-minute film “Bearing Witness” was touted to contain “extremely graphic and violent” footage “documenting the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023.” Some of them included footage of Hamas members.
Israeli actress Gal Gadot is said to have been involved in organizing the screening. She was reportedly not present in person.
The screening sparked controversy and threats on social media. Supporters of the Palestinian cause accused the “Wonder Woman” actress of supporting genocide, while supporters of Israel defended her.
Police were already on site near the museum to maintain security.
AIR7 HD was over the scene as dozens of people gathered outside the museum. There were several fights in which several people were sprayed with pepper spray.
Police formed a skirmish line to control the crowd. Several people were observed to have been arrested, but it was not immediately clear if any arrests were made.
reported that about 200 people attended the screening amid a heavy security presence. Attendees at the screening included Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, an Israeli Defense Force official and Hollywood executives.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence.
“We cannot allow current global tensions to lead to this unacceptable violence in our city,” she wrote on X. “This is a time of immense pain and suffering for thousands of Angelenos. We have to stand together.”