About three dozen protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war assembled on the southbound Harbor (110) Freeway in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday, sitting across all lanes on the highway and backing up traffic for miles.
The protest erupted shortly after 9 a.m. on the southbound 110 Freeway south of the Hollywood (101) Freeway.
KNX News reported from the scene that protesters appeared to have gotten out of cars on the freeway then walked across all lanes, initially chanting “shut it down” then eventually linking arms and sitting in a line across the freeway, blocking all traffic. The group later erected a large menorah on the freeway while chanting slogans such as “Ceasefire now.”
California Highway Patrol units quickly arrived on the scene, but no arrests were immediately made.
Traffic on the southbound 110 Freeway was brought to a complete halt by the protest. Video from the scene showed what appeared to be some frustrated motorists arguing and even shoving some protesters. Several isolated skirmishes broke out, prompting CHP officers to intervene. At least two motorcyclists managed to push their way past the protest line.
A group called IfNotNow Los Angeles had announced plans for a downtown protest Wednesday morning, although the organization did not indicate it intended to shut down the freeway. The group called the protest “to demand that all of our elected officials call for a lasting ceasefire and an end to U.S. support for Israel’s war on Gaza.”
“We will continue to protest until the killing and mass displacement stop, all the hostages are home, and safety is guaranteed for civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law,” according to the group.
A CHP officers told KNX News at the scene that additional officers were being called to the scene, and an unlawful assembly would be declared. Anyone who fails to disperse after the order is given will be arrested.