Can't create a directory path via launcher

Running Mac OS 10.14.6 on a slightly older MacBook Air 

1.7 GHz Intel Core i7

Getting error:
Unable to create directory.
Name: 1.16.json
URL: https://launchermeta.mojang.com/v1/packages/3a5d110a6ab102c7083bae4296d2de4b8fcf92eb/1.16.json
Error details: Permission denied
Filename on disk: 1.16.json
Path: /.minecraft/assets/indexes/1.16.json
Exists: Nonexistent