Americans began taking to the streets across the nation Friday after the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade, handing states authority to drastically limit or ban abortions.
By 1 p.m., a crowd had formed for a demonstration in front of the federal courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.
Rallies were planned for 6 p.m. at the intersection at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood and 7 p.m. at in West Hollywood.
As the night progressed, there were reports of violent clashes between demonstrators and police with bottles and rocks being hurled at officers.
The demonstrations led to a citywide tactical alert issued by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Cellphone video captured SWAT teams using non-lethal rounds on demonstrators while witnesses said some demonstrators were hurling rocks and bottles at police and setting off fireworks near them.
Before the downtown clashes, hundreds of abortion rights supporters gathered and briefly shut down traffic as they marched through some of the city’s governmental and cultural centers, including Federal court, Pershing Square, Grand Central Market and City Hall.
But moments became tense for many demonstrators, onlookers and law enforcement officers as the activity spilled onto nearby freeways, including the 110 and the 101. SWAT teams rolled in to hold the line and maneuver crowds off these major roadways.
Friday’s series of protests and marches was just the beginning of demonstrations and events planned throughout the weekend.
The Police Department has not yet released any details about the total number of arrests made in connection to Friday’s protests.
In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom pledged to take action on legislation to protect patients and providers in California against abortion bans in other states.
