A tattooed suspect was taken into custody Saturday after allegedly using a BB gun to open fire on a crowd assembled for the World Naked Bike Ride in Los Angeles, injuring two people before police could subdue him, authorities said.
Background
The shooting occurred around 11 a.m. in a parking lot near Temple Street and Alameda Street in downtown Los Angeles, where participants had gathered for the annual ride, according to the LAPD. The World Naked Bike Ride, which takes place in cities worldwide, serves as a protest against car culture and an exercise in public expression. The event operates under guidelines that prohibit lewd or sexually explicit exposure.
Witnesses described chaos as the suspect allegedly fired into the crowd before fleeing the scene. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded and treated two victims for injuries that were not considered life-threatening, authorities said.
The Investigation
The suspect, described by police as an adult male wearing all black clothing with visible face tattoos, was later located near a federal building and taken into custody without incident, the LAPD stated. Investigators recovered a BB gun at the scene believed to have been used in the attack.
Some witnesses reported hearing what they believed were homophobic slurs directed at participants during the incident, according to Reuters reporting. The motive remains under investigation as authorities review evidence and interview witnesses.
"The suspect is currently in custody as our investigation continues," an LAPD spokesperson said. "We're examining all aspects of this incident including the circumstances that led up to the shooting."
Key Takeaways
- Two victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries from the alleged BB gun attack during the World Naked Bike Ride
- Suspect apprehended near a federal building; described as adult male in black with face tattoos
- Police recovered a BB gun believed to be the weapon used in the shooting
- Some witnesses reported hearing homophobic slurs during the incident
- The annual event draws cyclists worldwide who ride naked or partially clothed to protest car culture
What's Next
The suspect remains in custody as the LAPD continues its investigation. Authorities have not yet announced formal charges, though prosecutors are expected to review the case for possible criminal filing. Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and examine evidence from the scene.
No further details regarding the victims' identities were released pending notification of their families.