Anti-war protesters shut down major freeway in LA

The march was organized by the group IfNotNow Los Angeles. Image: ifnotnowLA/Instagram

LOS ANGELES – A group of protesters calling for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and an end to US military support of Israel marched onto the southbound San Diego (405) Freeway in West Los Angeles Tuesday, briefly halting traffic and creating a miles-long backup at the tail end of the morning rush hour.

The protesters, organized in part by the group IfNotNow Los Angeles, walked onto the freeway around 9 a.m. in the area of Venice Boulevard, creating an instant backup of traffic south of the Santa Monica (10) Freeway.

California Highway Patrol officers quickly responded to the scene, and the group was quickly moved out of traffic lanes. The group, consisting of several dozen people, could then be seen marching south along the freeway shoulder and being escorted off the roadway under the watch of CHP officers.

CHP officials said about 40 to 50 people took part in the freeway protest, and nine of them were ultimately arrested.

There were no reports of injuries. The freeway was reopened by 9:50 a.m., according to the CHP.

Organizers of the protest issued a statement saying, “American Jews and allies have shut down the 405 freeway in West Los Angeles in protest of US support for Israel’s assault on Gaza. 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.

“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 issued a statement condemning the freeway protest.

“Accessing state freeways or roads to protest is unlawful and extremely dangerous because it puts protestors, motorists, and first responders at great risk of injury or death,” according to the agency. “I-405 is a major thoroughfare that is utilized daily by thousands of commuters. The CHP will not tolerate the actions of a small group that unlawfully prevent commuters from making it to their jobs, medical appointments, personal engagements, and many other daily activities.” (CNS)