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For the third night in a row, the LAPD has put its officers on citywide tactical alert status to deal with protesters in the streets. The center of activity tonight has been Crenshaw Boulevard near Martin Luther King, where a small group of protesters has been confronting police, throwing things and commit some minor vandalism. The scene escalated when a disruptive group rushed into the Wal-Mart store, according to media reports. The protesters are responding to the Florida verdict clearing George Zimmerman of criminal responsibility for his killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin.
LA Times reporter Ruben Vives posted a Vine clip to Twitter that gives the flavor:
For the second night in a row, Mayor Eric Garcetti used Twitter to urge peace:
I commend the prayer rally attendees in Leimert Park for practicing peace. I call on people in street on Crenshaw to follow their example.
— Eric Garcetti (@ericgarcetti) July 16, 2013
* Update: 14 people were arrested after about 150 youths who broke off from the main protest in Leimert Park broke windows and stomped cars in the Crenshaw district. CBS 2 reporter Dave Bryan and his cameraman were attacked and incurred minor injuries. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said there would be a much higher level of police enforcement in the area starting today: "This will not be allowed to continue." Mayor Eric Garcetti held a press conference at Leimert Park with Beck and County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas.LAT, CBS LA, CNS
