Fact check: KAREN BASS SAID "We know that at the end of protests, there is often violence. It’s unfortunate, but it’s something we have to prepare for."

1. Summary of the results

The analyses reveal limited direct evidence supporting the exact quote attributed to Mayor Karen Bass. None of the sources contain the specific statement "We know that at the end of protests, there is often violence. It's unfortunate, but it's something we have to prepare for." However, the sources do show a pattern of Bass acknowledging the potential for violence during protests and taking preparatory measures.

The most supportive evidence comes from source ^[1], which shows Bass expressing concern about the possibility of violence if law enforcement cannot get demonstrators to disperse in a timely manner. Additionally, multiple sources document Bass implementing concrete measures like curfews and calling for peaceful demonstrations while warning against violence ^{[2] [3]}.

The timeline of sources spans from June 7-14, 2025, with the most recent sources from June 14th providing the closest context to the alleged statement, though none contain the exact quote.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement lacks crucial context about the specific circumstances surrounding Bass's comments. The analyses reveal this statement allegedly occurred during preparations for "No Kings Day" protests in Los Angeles ^{[4] [2]}.

Missing context includes:

• The statement appears to be related to specific protest preparations, not a general policy statement about all protests
• Bass has been actively calling for peaceful demonstrations while simultaneously preparing for potential violence ^[2]
• There's evidence of external misinformation campaigns targeting LA protests, with Russia amplifying conspiracy theories about the demonstrations ^[5]
• The mayor has been responding to claims from political figures like Trump about protesters being paid ^[6]

Alternative viewpoints that benefit different parties:

• Law enforcement agencies benefit from narratives that justify increased security measures and curfews
• Political opponents of Bass benefit from portraying her as expecting or accepting violence
• Media outlets benefit from dramatic quotes that generate engagement, regardless of accuracy

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The statement presents significant red flags for potential misinformation. The analyses show that while Bass has acknowledged the need to prepare for potential violence, no source directly confirms this exact quote ^{[4] [2] [7] [8] [3] [6] [5]}.

Potential bias indicators:

• The quote is presented without context, date, or venue
• It frames Bass as accepting violence as inevitable rather than as a responsible official preparing for contingencies
• The phrasing suggests a fatalistic attitude that contradicts evidence of her actively promoting peaceful protests ^[2]
• The statement could be a paraphrase or mischaracterization of more nuanced comments about protest preparation

The timing is particularly suspicious given documented Russian disinformation campaigns targeting LA protests ^[5] and political attacks claiming protesters are paid ^[6]. This quote could serve to delegitimize both the mayor and the protests by suggesting official expectation of violence.

Without direct source verification, this statement should be treated as unconfirmed and potentially misleading.