May 15, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Man Charged with Spraying Bear Repellent on Anti-Trump Protesters at Santa Monica Pier

David Dempsey faces up to eight years in jail

By Sam Catanzaro

A 32-year-old felon has been charged with spraying bear repellent on a crowd of political protesters at the Santa Monica Pier this past weekend, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.

David Nicholas Dempsey of Sherman Oaks faces one felony count of use of tear gas and one misdemeanor count of unlawful tear gas activity. If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of eight years in county jail.

David Nicholas Dempsey. Photo: SMPD.

According to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) Lt. Candice Cobarrubias on October 19, 2019 at approximately 1:20 pm, officers working the Pier observed a fight between two groups of protestors. One of the protestors, later identified as David Dempsy, dispersed a canister of bear repellent into the crowd. Numerous protestors and non-involved pier patrons were affected by the chemical.

“Mr. Dempsey was immediately detained by officers. Harbor Services Officers and Santa Monica Fire Department rendered aid to those affected by the chemical agent. Protestors from both groups dispersed after the incident but were monitored by officers in the event another escalation started. No further incidents occurred,” Cobarrubias said.

As seen in a YouTube video posted by Be Less Stupid, Dempsey wearing a red “Make America Great Again” hat, sprayed protestors with bear repellent who had marched onto the Pier following a rally organized by Refuse Fascism calling for President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence to be removed from office.

“It was these f—ing libtards over here, man,” Dempsey told police in video. “These commies — I didn’t do anything.”

A group of Trump supporters followed the protesters to the pier. The groups exchanged insults for around 10 minutes, according to the Los Angeles Times, before shoving one another and yelling obscenities. That’s when Dempsey pulled out the bear repellant video shows.

Police cornered Dempsey soon after the incident and detained him near the police substation on the Pier.

As reported by the Washington Post, a Facebook account appearing to belong to Dempsey regularly insults liberals and celebrates Trump.

The case against Dempsey includes allegations that Dempsey was previously convicted between 2006 and 2017 of felonies including second-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit commercial burglary and fleeing a pursuing peace officer’s motor vehicle while driving recklessly.

The defendant pleaded not guilty charges Tuesday and is scheduled to return on Nov. 5 to set a date for a preliminary hearing in Department W31 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch.

The case remains under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department.

<>Related Posts

Santa Monica City Council Approves Outdoor Drinking Zone on Third Street Promenade

May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025

New “Entertainment Zone” Will Allow Alcohol Consumption in Public Spaces If you have ever wished to have a cocktail or...

Details Unveiled for Venice Summer Fest 2025

May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025

Organizers described the fest as “more than an event — it’s a community celebration that reflects the creativity, heart, and...

Palisades Couple Files Lawsuit Against California FAIR Plan, Other Major Insurers

May 14, 2025

May 14, 2025

The Jungwirths, who moved to Pacific Palisades last June with their three-year-old daughter, purchased a FAIR Plan policy after struggling...

(Video) Pacific Resident Theatre Debuts “Fostered”: A Comedy About Authenticity and Life Choices

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Firefighters and Wildfire Victims Have Free Admission to a Special May 16 Performance. For More Info, Go To Pacificresidenttheatre.org Firefighters...

Registration Now Open for Summer at New Roads

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

New Roads School is accepting registration for its summer program, a vibrant selection of classes and camps curated to meet...

AMC Theater Launches 50% Off Movie Tickets on Wednesdays 

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

 See More Movies for Less Money at AMC Theaters This Summer Great news for movie fans, starting July 9, catching...

Judge Reduces Menendez Brothers’ Life Terms, Citing Sincere Rehabilitation

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Menendez Brothers Express Remorse as Judge Grants Path to Parole More than three decades after they were imprisoned for the...

ICE Apprehends Santa Monica College Student Off-Campus

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

This apprehension comes amid heightened ICE activity in Southern California, where federal agents have targeted major cities including Los Angeles...

City of Malibu Accepting Poet Laureate Applications for 2025–2027 Term

May 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

Malibu Invites Poets to Apply to Represent Malibu’s Creative Voice Malibu has opened the application period for its 2025–2027 Poet...

Golf Tournament to Raise Funds for Palisades Charter High School Wildfire Recovery

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The “Raise Pali Golf Tournament” includes a nine-hole game, prize putting contests, and a community reception A community-led golf tournament...

Registration Opens for Second Annual Venice Beach Run

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Race organizers promise a festive finish line atmosphere, complete with live DJs, a beer garden, a vendor expo, and giveaways...

Brentwood Art Center: Creative Art Camps for Kids and Teens this Summer

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

The beloved Brentwood Art Center is hosting summer camps at its new location at Olympic & 17th in Santa Monica. ...

Loyola High School, Community Honors Braun Levi, 18, After Tragedy in Manhattan Beach

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Scholarship Fund Launched; Suspect with Suspended License Held Without Bail Tributes poured in over the weekend for Loyola High School...

City to Issue Solicitations for Affordable Housing Development at Bergamot Station Arts Center

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Proposals for the Bergamot Station Arts Center must prioritize maximizing affordable housing units while also considering potential artist housing and...

Historic Lloyd Wright-Designed Palisades Home Hits Market at $12.9M

May 12, 2025

May 12, 2025

Wright, the son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the estate for an Academy-winning composer A historic estate designed by architect...