Authorities reported the arrest of an armed protester, a convicted felon with outstanding warrants, following an altercation during Saturday’s “No Kings” demonstration in Huntington Beach.
Authorities from the Huntington Beach Police Department reported that at approximately 3:30 p.m., officers on patrol near Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway, adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier, observed a man vocally confronting a pedestrian and provoking him to engage in a fight.
Authorities have identified the individual seen waving a Mexican flag as 25-year-old Eduardo Pineda. When officers reached out to Pineda, they found that he was wanted for arrest due to outstanding warrants related to vandalism and battery.
“During a search [related] to the arrest, officers located a loaded handgun concealed in his waistband,” HBPD said Sunday morning. “Further investigation revealed Pineda is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.”
Pineda faced charges for possessing a loaded firearm as a felon and for instigating a public altercation, alongside his existing warrants.
“HBPD remains committed to facilitating peaceful public demonstrations while taking action against any unlawful or threatening behavior,” the department said.
Huntington Beach stands out as a key Republican bastion in California, earning the title of “America’s Trumpiest” from the Wall Street Journal. In Huntington Beach on Saturday, a significant number of “No Kings” demonstrators faced off against counter protesters rallying in support of the Trump administration.
On Saturday, a wave of protests labeled “No Kings” erupted nationwide, with numerous demonstrations taking place throughout Southern California against the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration.
While the majority of the demonstrations were calm, there were some challenges with dispersal in downtown Los Angeles. However, Saturday night brought about two incidents involving crashes during protests in Inglewood and Riverside.
Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect involved in a felony hit-and-run linked to the recent incident.
