Traffic was blocked and police were out in riot gear in Westwood Sunday afternoon where a protest over the military action in Israel and Gaza was taking place near the Federal Building. By 5 p.m., crowds were dispersed without incident, according to California Highway Patrol officials.
An estimated crowd of about 400 people assembled—split roughly in half between Palestinian and Israeli supporters, according to several witnesses.
Demonstrators from both sides made their voices heard, shouting slogans on both sides of Wilshire Boulevard at the Federal Building.
Protesters blocked traffic in the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. Approximately 40 law enforcement officers dressed in riot gear stood south of the Federal Building, the witness said.
Local police were on a modified tactical alert in response to the situation, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The California Highway Patrol closed the northbound San Diego (405) Freeway Wilshire Boulevard off-ramp to assist with crowd control.
Marcy Winograd also Tweeted photos of the protest. The author and teacher was with Jewish Voice For Peace at the Westwood Federal Building (see photos.)
