405 Freeway in West LA shut down by Gaza protesters; 9 arrested
LOS ANGELES - Protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to U.S. military support of Israel briefly shut down traffic on the 405 Freeway in West Los Angeles, creating a major backup for miles during the morning commute. Multiple people were arrested for the demonstration Tuesday.
Protesters walked onto the freeway around 9 a.m. near Venice Boulevard in the Palms area, instantly causing a backup of traffic south of the 10 Freeway.
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Officers with the California Highway Patrol responded to the scene and moved the group out of traffic and onto the shoulder.
SkyFOX captured aerial images of the scene and spotted the group marching south on the freeway shoulder before they were escorted off.
There were no reports of injuries.
"American Jews and allies have shut down the 405 freeway in West Los Angeles in protest of U.S. support for Israel's assault on Gaza," according to a statement from the organizers. "With one week to go before the Democratic National Convention, protesters are coalescing around three demands for all elected officials: call for a lasting ceasefire, reject the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, and legislate an arms embargo."
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"This act of solidarity with the Palestinian people takes place on the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av, often described as the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, and is dedicated to the mourning of dead civilians and the destruction of holy sites."
The CHP announced that it arrested nine people that were part of the demonstration Tuesday morning.
"The CHP supports the First Amendment right to protest and assemble, but blocking roadways and obstructing the free movement of others is illegal and dangerous for all involved," the department's West LA office posted on X. "…We'll be working [with] the DA to hold them accountable."
City News Service contributed to this report.