Los Angeles – A federal judge has ordered the Los Angeles Police Department to stop using less-lethal 40mm foam rounds for crowd control during protests, a decision that immediately changes how officers can respond when demonstrations turn hostile.
The ruling came after U.S. District Judge Consuelo B. Marshall found the LAPD in contempt of a previous court order that already restricted when and how the department could deploy 40-millimeter munitions. Marshall’s new order bars the rounds from being used as a crowd-control tool, following concerns raised about the department’s tactics during protests last summer opposing immigration enforcement.
According to the judge’s findings, the court reviewed evidence and examples alleging the munitions were used on protesters who did not pose an immediate threat, that warnings were not given before firing, and that people were struck in body areas the court had previously restricted. The order also cited injuries reported during those incidents, including allegations of people being hit in sensitive areas.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed in 2020 tied to claims about the use of force during protests following the death of George Floyd. In prior rulings, the court allowed the use of the launcher only under narrow circumstances, requiring trained officers, warnings when feasible, and strict limitations on aiming points.
In response, officers received an internal directive that the 40mm “shall not” be used during any crowd control situation, effective immediately. The LAPD confirmed the order was issued but declined to comment publicly, while the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office said it is reviewing the ruling.
