Protestors disrupt Eric Pierce campaign event

Juan “Joey” Martinez (screenshot)

DOWNEY — Video of one Council candidate protesting outside of another candidate’s campaign fundraiser began to circulate social media Thursday evening.

The Facebook video - posted by City Council District 5 candidate Juan “Joey” Martinez - took place just outside The Olive RestoBar at the Downey Promenade, where an event for District 3 Candidate Eric Pierce was taking place.

“I came to ask Eric Pierce to admit that he is a Trump supporter,” says Martinez in the footage.

The video was originally broadcast via Facebook Live.

The video then cuts – seemingly from connection issues – to Martinez backing away from a man approaching him with his hands held behind his back.

“You see this violence? Violence! Step back…on record I am saying step back,” Martinez can be heard shouting.

Several other individuals wearing Los Angeles Lakers jerseys can also been seen engaging with and shouting at Martinez and other protestors as well. Security is also visible attempting to diffuse the situation.

Ultimately, members of Downey Police Department responded and asked Martinez and the other protestors to leave, and can be heard saying that Martinez would be arrested for trespassing if he did not.

Martinez responded by asking for names and badge numbers of the officers involved, as well as a supervisor.

Officers also asked for Martinez to identify himself, which he declined to do.

Martinez would ultimately leave, citing the Fifth Amendment and telling officers to “shut up and stop wasting my time” as he did so.

The following day, Martinez would go live once again, explaining his actions.

“For some of you, it may not matter [if Pierce supports Trump], but really it’s an important issue and stance that needs to be addressed,” said Martinez. “Who you throw your values behind, and what kind of representation you want to elect and support matters.”

“It’s not an absurd question, it’s a serious question. I think that not only the 3rd District deserves to know where you stand Mr. Pierce, but all of Downey needs to know: Where do you stand?”

Pierce called the incident “really unfortunate.”

“It’s two or three people who are intent on causing mischief and inciting violence in our community…but it didn’t ruin anything,” said Pierce. “We had a great night; a lot of Downey people came out. We’re going to continue moving forward.”

When asked about the incident, DPD did not have anything on file to report.

The Downey Patriot called Martinez for comment, however was unable to reach him.

Pierce is editor of the Downey Patriot and has stepped away from city and election coverage since announcing his intent to run for council.