Protesters rally outside Santa Barbara apartment after video goes viral

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A rally took place outside a Santa Barbara apartment after participants said a video went viral of a resident accused of making racist comments.

They said they are upset about the way a female resident spoke to a construction worker on the property near the corner of Garden and Micheltorena Streets.

They said a video of what happened went viral over the weekend.

Protester and activist Edin Enamorado said the woman in question left to go to the police station while the protest continued outside her door.

"She was very racist toward a construction worker and we uploaded the video yesterday and we are here to hold her accountable for her actions."

The worker who was present chose not to comment.

Despite illegal fireworks going off down the street, police did not break up the rally.

Enamorado also spoke out against the attempt by the city council to crack down on street vendors.

Protestors walked to the police station and back before dispersing late Sunday night.

Here is an official statement from the Santa Barbara Police Department issued Monday morning:

"Last night, September 17, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., the Santa Barbara Police Department became aware of a large gathering occurring near the intersection of Garden Street and East Micheltorena Street. This gathering was in response to a disturbing video of an interaction between two individuals posted on social media.

In the video, a woman stated, “I work for the police.” The woman has no affiliation with the Santa Barbara Police Department and the police department does not condone her behavior.

During the gathering, the group walked to the front of the Santa Barbara Police Department and continued to express outrage over the troubling video. After a short while, the group returned to the area of Garden and East Micheltorena Street and dispersed.

The video posted on social media understandably stirred emotions and reactions within our community. The Santa Barbara Police Department monitored the gathering and supports the right for all individuals to peacefully assemble in order to voice their concerns."

We will have more information as soon as it becomes available.