I’ve filmed police activity throughout Los Angeles for years, but what I saw outside Marathon Burger involving LAPD officers was on another level.
Officers were circling the block repeatedly. Black men were being pulled over, lined up, handcuffed, and searched—all for minor, non-moving violations like:
- Missing front license plates
- Parking in a red zone
- Other small infractions
There were zero arrests. Just harassment. People were cuffed, searched, and then released with either a ticket or nothing at all. One driver received only a fix-it ticket. His passenger—who wasn’t even driving—was also cuffed and searched for no clear reason.
While I peacefully filmed the stops, fully within my First Amendment right, Officer Daniel McClement (Badge #25085) attempted to intimidate me by claiming that riding an e-bike in the city was illegal.
It’s not.
Out of concern for my safety, I walked my e-bike past the scene and continued recording without further confrontation.
What happened outside Marathon Burger wasn’t public safety—it was targeted harassment. And it’s important the public knows exactly what’s happening on our streets.
This raises serious questions:
- Why are Black people being handcuffed and searched repeatedly outside Marathon Burger?
- Why is a Black-owned business being targeted by LAPD?
- Is this Stop-and-Frisk 2.0?
- Is this retaliation for building community and Black success on Melrose?
This feels like a modern-day harassment campaign against a place that represents unity, entrepreneurship, and legacy, particularly outside the precinct of Marathon Burger LAPD.
What To Do If You’re Stopped Like This
Know your rights. Because the truth is: this isn’t just happening at Marathon Burger. Incidents involving Marathon Burger LAPD are happening all over.
- Film the police. That’s your First Amendment right.
- Refuse all searches. That’s your Fourth Amendment right.
- Say: “I remain silent until my attorney is present.” That’s your Fifth Amendment right.
We Need All Eyes on Melrose
I’m calling on all First Amendment auditors to pull up to Marathon Burger. Bring your cameras. Document what’s happening. Submit footage to staging.mrcheckpoint.com/submit.
Let’s flood the timeline with truth and accountability regarding the LAPD incidents surrounding Marathon Burger.
🗣️ Tag someone who needs to see this.
🗣️ Comment “MARATHON BURGER” if you’re with us.
🗣️ Share this if you’ve had enough.
Shoutout to the Real Ones
Shoutout to Blacc Sam (Nipsey Hussle’s Brother), The Family and The Marathon Team for keeping the Marathon going. 🏁
Support Black-owned.
Support Black-owned. Always film the police. Always for the people.
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