Hundreds of pro-Palestine protesters rallied in Pan Pacific Park then marched through the Fairfax District and into The Grove shopping center Friday as part of a nationwide effort demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, as well as an end to U.S. aid for Israel.
Backers of the Shut It Down for Palestine effort organized boycotts, disruptions and rallies on Black Friday across the country “to make it clear that there will be no business as usual until Palestine is free,” according to the ANSWER Coalition, one of the local organizers.
The coalition’s name is a acronym for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.
The group initially gathered at 10 a.m. in Pan Pacific Park adjacent to The Grove shopping center, which was bustling with Black Friday shoppers. Many in the crowd at the park waved signs, including one reading “Stop killing children,” and took part in organized chants, including, “Israel is a terror state.”
A short time later, the crowd moved out of the park and began marching on city streets around the area, passing entrances to The Grove, and eventully several hundred people began marching through the outdoor shopping center itself. By late morning, no major disturbances had been reported inside the center.
Traffic was disrupted in the area as the group carried out its march.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement noting is was aware of and monitoring the protest.
“The LAPD’s objective is to ensure public safety for ALL, while facilitating the Frist Amendment rights of those peacefully demonstrating,” the department proclaimed on social media. “Equally the department will enforce the law when individuals engage in acts of violence.”