May Day Report Released

Deputy Chief Michael Hillman, left, and First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell listen to speakers addressing the Police Commission about the May Day melee.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa listens to Chief William J. Bratton discuss the LAPD’s response to the melee. “I, as chief of police, regret deeply that this occurred on my watch,” Bratton said. “I accept full responsibility for it occurring on my watch. My apologies to the men and women of the Los Angeles Police Department and to the public for the events of that day.”  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Mayor Villaraigosa reacts to Chief Bratton’s remarks. “What happened was wrong,” Villaraigosa said. “The inadequate planning, the breakdown in command and control, misuse of tactics created a cascading chain of escalating misjudgments on the 1st that my office and the Police Department agree is unacceptable and should never be repeated again.”  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Police Chief William J. Bratton weighs his thoughts before speaking to the Police Commission. He said at least 26 officers involved in the MacArthur Park incident are under internal investigation and could face discipline for using excessive force  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Police Chief William J. Bratton addresses reporters while Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa leaves at the end of a news conference on the May Day melee at MacArthur Park. A report on the incident said police used batons to strike protesters and journalists more than 100 times. Many of the baton strikes were inflicted on peaceful demonstrators, the report said.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)