Viral ICE Protest Body-Slam Sparks LA Arrests
Nothing says “let’s negotiate” quite like hurling a 22-ounce canteen at a deputy’s side and then getting an unsolicited crash course in concrete. That’s exactly what went down during this week’s high-tension ICE protest in Los Angeles, where two gentlemen—Javier Gonzalez and Bryan Mugarte—decided to audition for the next viral fail compilation. According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Office, Gonzalez earned himself a felony assault charge after launching the metal canteen, while his partner in poor life choices, Mugarte, stands accused of playing hype man by encouraging the toss.
TMZ obtained the grainy but unambiguous clip that’s racked up millions of views across social platforms. You can watch deputies clad in riot gear face off against protesters, when suddenly one man swings and connects—only to be greeted with clouds of tear gas and a bystander’s impromptu WWE tackle. That unscheduled body-slam sent our projectile-hurling hero skidding face-first into the concrete with all the grace of a dropped marionette. Deputies on the scene quickly cuffed Gonzalez and Mugarte, who’s facing solicitation charges for allegedly egging on the bottle throw. Ironically, the good samaritan who delivered the knockout blow remains blissfully arrest-free—for now—while the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office mulls over possible charges.
Sources confirm that Gonzalez, 28, was officially booked for felony assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon. His bail? A cool $50,000. Mugarte, 25, is looking at solicitation to commit a specific criminal act, with bail set at $20,000. Both men were processed at Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, where they’re probably regretting thinking plastic bottles were better thrown than brought. Ripple effects from this incident are expected to fuel weekend protests against President Trump’s administration, dubbed the “No Kings” rallies—because apparently an iron fist needs a gallop.
Whether this spectacle will inspire more viral stunts or simply remind everyone that tossing heavy objects at law enforcement is not an Olympic sport remains to be seen. One thing’s for certain: Los Angeles is once again the backdrop for social upheaval spiced with questionable judgment. Tune in next time for more free-form protest choreography and a fresh set of regrettable career decisions. Well, there you have it: public dissent meets gravity and poor impulse control. Stay tuned for the next episode of “Protests & Poor Decisions.”
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, L.A. County Sheriff’s Office statements, L.A. County District Attorney’s Office review
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
