Looting reported in Van Nuys as protests over George Floyd’s death continue

Dozens of Los Angeles police officers lined Van Nuys Boulevard near Victory Boulevard in Van Nuys late Monday afternoon after reports of looting in the area.

Several business owners stood outside their storefronts, with some putting up plywood over their windows. Multiple businesses hung signs reading “BLM.” At Trust Bail Bonds on Van Nuys Boulevard, a sign read: “Justice for George Floyd. #BLM”

Multiple police officers said there was looting in the area and they were trying to get a handle on where it was occurring. Media reports said the looters had broken into a cellphone store and a pharmacy.

Eva Bandikian, the manager at Kovac’s Care Pharmacy, said looters broke the lock on the business’ door and stole “everything,” including cash, the register, medicine and vitamins.

Bandikian watched the store’s surveillance feed on her phone as about 10 people stormed into the pharmacy.

“It doesn’t have anything to do with us,” she said of the looting. “They’re angry with the police and with the government.”

About two hours after the break-in, Bandikian said, one of the looters who appeared on the surveillance video walked back by the pharmacy, turned around and laughed, carrying a bag of stolen goods.

Meanwhile, several peaceful protesters remained the area. From 7:30 a.m. into the afternoon, a large group of protesters peacefully demonstrated at Van Nuys Boulevard and Sylvan Street, chanting George Floyd’s name and asking for justice.

Dozens of California Highway Patrol and LAPD officers stood side by side along Van Nuys Boulevard, some holding various types of nonlethal force, including beanbag launchers.