Dodgers fans erupted in celebration after the team’s thrilling World Series win in Los Angeles—but the party quickly turned chaotic, forcing police to deploy tear gas in the streets.
The Dodgers’ 5-4 Game 7 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in extra innings had fans cheering wildly after Will Smith’s go-ahead home run in the 11th. Celebrities also joined the buzz—Meghan Markle reportedly shrieked in excitement, while a Blue Jays analyst let loose some colorful language on live TV.
But downtown Los Angeles’ celebrations went off the rails. Police said they were pelted with fireworks and bottles, prompting the LAPD to authorize the use of less-lethal munitions early Sunday morning at Olympic and Grand Avenue. A tweet from the department at 2:26 a.m. read: “CS gas has been authorized by the Incident Commander. Officers are being hit by industrial-size fireworks and bottles.”
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Earlier, a dispersal order had been issued around 12:30 a.m., with large crowds gathering at multiple intersections across the city. By 1:20 a.m., officers were also deploying less-lethal munitions near Sunset and Echo Park, citing fireworks being launched at both crowds and police.
It’s unclear if anyone was seriously injured, but photos from the scene show officers in riot gear and mounted on horseback trying to control the chaos. Fans were setting off fireworks, doing donuts in their cars, and burning out tires at 9th Street and Hope Street, where police estimated 350-400 people had gathered. A Waymo self-driving car was vandalized, its windows smashed and body covered in spray paint.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass praised the Dodgers’ historic win but warned fans to celebrate safely. “Celebrate safely and responsibly tonight, Dodgers fans. LAPD is on heightened alert…There will be no tolerance for anyone who tries to take advantage of this win,” she said on X.
Despite the chaos, most celebrations across the city remained joyful, with fans in Dodgers gear dancing and cheering in the streets. President Donald Trump also weighed in, congratulating the champions and extending an invitation to visit the White House.
This win marks the Dodgers’ second consecutive World Series title—the first back-to-back championship in Los Angeles since the New York Yankees pulled it off in 1999 and 2000.