EL CAJON, Calif. — In a shocking turn of events, the city of El Cajon has declared a state of emergency after a weekend of violent outbreaks, mass arrests, and public unrest not seen in decades. City officials made the announcement early Thursday morning, citing an “unprecedented collapse of public order” across multiple neighborhoods.
According to El Cajon Police Department, several coordinated attacks on businesses, public spaces, and even government buildings took place late Wednesday night. More than 50 arrests were made, and emergency services responded to over 120 calls within a four-hour span — a record-breaking surge that left the city reeling. Residents woke up to shattered windows, looted stores, and burning cars littering major streets.
Authorities report that the violence began after tensions flared during a controversial city council meeting discussing changes to housing policies and law enforcement funding. Protesters, fueled by frustration over rising living costs and claims of police misconduct, quickly overwhelmed security and spilled into downtown El Cajon.
City officials now warn that the situation remains volatile. Schools across El Cajon have been shut down until further notice. Hospitals have reported an influx of injured civilians, including several in critical condition. Law enforcement from neighboring cities and even the California Highway Patrol have been deployed to El Cajon to help regain control.
“This is not a protest anymore — this is a public safety catastrophe,” El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells said in an emergency briefing. “We are urging every resident to stay indoors, lock their doors, and avoid public areas until we can stabilize the situation.”
Residents are expressing outrage and fear across social media, many posting videos of looters raiding small businesses and groups of masked individuals clashing violently with police in riot gear. The chaos marks a dark chapter for a city long considered a quieter enclave in San Diego County.
City leaders are now discussing the possibility of requesting National Guard assistance if conditions worsen. Meanwhile, investigators are working to determine whether outside groups played a role in orchestrating the escalating violence, a theory city officials say “cannot be ruled out” given the speed and coordination of the events.
For now, El Cajon remains in a state of paralysis, its residents left grappling with the reality that their once-stable community has become the latest American city torn apart by deepening tensions and sudden upheaval.