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Zimmerman Protesters Block Freeway, Clash with LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department called a citywide tactical alert Sunday, after protesters of the George Zimmerman verdict blocked the Santa Monica (10) Freeway.

July 15, 2013
Zimmerman Protesters Block Freeway, Clash with LAPD

Screenshot via KTLA.

The Los Angeles Police Department called a citywide tactical alert Sunday, after protesters of the George Zimmerman verdict blocked the Santa Monica (10) Freeway.

Demonstrators carrying a large picture of Trayvon Martin entered the eastbound lanes near the Crenshaw on-ramp in the Mid-City area, as LAPD and California Highway Patrol crowd control officers formed a riot line.

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Officers fired less-lethal beanbag rounds at the crowd after they were struck by rocks and batteries, reports the Los Angeles Times . Several protesters were arrested after they brought traffic to a standstill for about 20 minutes, reports KTLA .

In Oakland, protesters took to the streets Saturday night following a Florida verdict that acquitted Zimmerman of murdering Martin, reports the Oakland Tribune . A BART police car was reportedly spray painted and had its windows smashed.

Protests were peaceful in Sanford, Fla., where Zimmerman fatally shot Martin at a gated community on Feb. 26, 2012. Seminole County Sheriff's patrol vehicles blocked access to the courthouse, redirecting protesters following the verdict, reports the Orlando Sentinel .