Two arrested for defying curfew near Kamala Harris' home

On Saturday, early in the morning, a significant law enforcement event unfolded in Brentwood, California, where Vice President Kamala Harris resides. Amidst the raging Palisades Fire, which has prompted evacuation orders in the area, two men were detained by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for violating a local curfew designed to ensure the safety of residents during the emergency. This curfew, effective from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., was imposed as the wildfire, considered severe, threatened communities and necessitated stricter security measures. Law enforcement was initially dispatched to Harris' Brentwood property following a potential burglary call. The call was made around 4:40 a.m., but upon arrival, officers found no evidence supporting claims of a burglary. However, they did discover the two men present in the curfew-restricted area, which led to their detention. According to LAPD officials, no indications were found that the men had entered the vice president's property, and it was likely that they were unaware of their whereabouts during the incident. The U.S. Secret Service, California Highway Patrol, and LAPD's Metropolitan Division provide protection for Harris’ residence, emphasizing the security presence in the vicinity. The Palisades Fire, a significant wildfire event, had already burned over 23,000 acres and claimed at least 16 lives, with five deaths attributed directly to this blaze. The situation in California has brought notable anxiety among residents who have faced evacuation orders, resulting in stronger enforcement of curfews and a heightened police presence around vulnerable areas. The two detained individuals were reportedly not on Harris' property at the time of their arrest, which further illustrated the confusion surrounding the severe circumstances of the fire. Following the incident, the LAPD stated that the arrested men had been released, as no further evidence of wrongdoing was found, raising questions about their presence in the area and how they had arrived there. As of the last update, the fire was 11% contained, and the ongoing risks associated with high winds continued to pose challenges for firefighting efforts. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the two men's detention proceed, residents remain vigilant regarding safety and curfew compliance amid the ongoing emergency.