Feras Morad protest photos by Stephanie Rivera. 

The work of Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) officers who were deployed to two separate protests Thursday, with about 100 participants each, was recognized by members of local organizations through email late Thursday and throughout Friday.

“Recognizing the situation could have gone south at anytime, the officers deployed to the area were faced with a highly contentious, emotional and vocal crowd who continually taunted and incited them,” said Kraig Kojian, president of the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA), in reference to the protest by supporters of Feras Morad, an unarmed 20-year-old college student who was fatally shot by a Long Beach police officer a last week.

“Your team remained patient and calm, while exhibiting a high level of professionalism,” Kojian told LBPD Chief Robert Luna.

“The residential community of NPNA is grateful for the excellent mutual relationship we enjoy with the LBPD,” said North Pine Neighborhood Association Interim President Don Darnauer.

More than a dozen police officers were present toward the end of a march by supporters of Morad, where tensions rose and traffic was blocked at the intersection of Broadway and Pine Avenue as protesters confronted police.

Morad, who family members say was planning on studying at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) in the fall, was reportedly under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms when police say he threatened to attack an officer responding to a call for assistance on the 4600 block of East 15th Street at about 7:30PM on Wednesday, May 27.

Earlier in the day, a large group of mostly parents picketed in front of The Federal Bar on Pine Avenue in opposition to a senate bill that would eliminate the personal belief exemption with regard to mandated vaccinations for students.

The protesters were trying to get the attention of Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell, who chairs the State Assembly’s Education Committee. About half a dozen officers were present.

“The Police Department is always supportive of those who wish to exercise their first amendment rights, and pleased when the actions of demonstrators are lawful and do not compromise the safety or rights of others,” the police department said in a statement.

Photo by Keeley Smith.