Security guard arrested in Los Angeles after pepper-spraying protesters outside Chinese consulate

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Local residents and pro-democracy activists gathered outside the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles on 4 January 2026 for a peaceful demonstration marking the reported arrest of Nicolás Maduro.

The gathering took place on a public sidewalk near the consulate at around 3.00pm, according to participants and organisers.

Tensions escalated towards the end of the event after a security guard associated with the consulate allegedly began threatening demonstrators with pepper spray.

According to the event organiser, the guard later followed through on the threats and discharged pepper spray into the crowd.

Eight protesters were injured in the incident, organisers said, with three individuals taken to hospital for treatment due to the severity of their symptoms.

The security guard was arrested at the scene by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

Records from the Inmate Information Center indicate that the guard is currently facing a felony-level charge.

Protesters say threats preceded the attack

According to first-hand testimony provided by Fu Chaoqun, a member of the China Democracy Party, several armed security personnel confronted protesters before the spray was used.

Fu said the guards were holding pepper spray and approached demonstrators who were preparing for what organisers described as a peaceful protest.

He alleged that one guard verbally threatened participants and made aggressive gestures before discharging pepper spray directly into the crowd.

Witnesses at the scene said multiple protesters were sprayed at close range.

They described experiencing intense pain, breathing difficulties, and temporary loss of vision following exposure.

Several individuals reportedly collapsed to the ground shortly after being sprayed.

Injuries and hospitalisation

Fu said that he, along with Yue Zailin and Ning Chen, was transported to hospital by ambulance.

He alleged that the pepper spray caused prolonged burning sensations affecting the face, eyes, neck, and body.

Fu said medical staff later advised against rinsing with water immediately after exposure due to the nature of the chemical irritant.

Other protesters who were sprayed were treated at the scene or later sought medical attention, according to organisers.

Police intervention

LAPD officers arrived at the scene following reports of the incident and detained at least one security guard.

Footage and photographs circulating on social media showed police questioning security personnel near the consulate entrance.

The detained guard was later formally arrested, according to law enforcement records.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the specific felony charge or whether additional charges may follow.

Contractor linked to consulate

According to protest organisers, the guard was employed by JK Patrol SVC, a private security firm contracted to provide security services for the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles.

The incident occurred outside consulate grounds, on a public sidewalk.

Protesters said this placed the confrontation clearly within the jurisdiction of local law enforcement.

Protesters call for accountability

Protest organisers and participants described the pepper-spraying as an act of intimidation directed at pro-democracy activists.

They said the use of force against peaceful demonstrators on U.S. soil raised serious concerns about civil liberties.

Activists called for a full investigation and accountability under U.S. law.

They also urged authorities to examine the conduct of private security personnel operating on behalf of foreign diplomatic missions.

The incident has drawn attention from activists and advocacy groups monitoring the treatment of Chinese dissidents overseas.

Observers said the case highlights ongoing tensions between pro-democracy activists and security measures linked to Chinese diplomatic facilities abroad.