Aerial Footage Shows Sea Of Protesters Gathering In Hollywood

Thousands of concerned citizens marched toward Hollywood Boulevard in a peaceful protest against racism and police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville.

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) estimated the crowd at around 20,000 people, making it one of the biggest gatherings in Los Angeles County over the past few days.

Aerial footage from KABC showed the sea of people that dotted the street. They marched west on Hollywood Boulevard from Highland Avenue and continued their peaceful demonstration until 7:00 p.m. Sunday (June 7).

Most of the protesters appeared to be wearing face masks, although social distancing – a worldwide campaign to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – did not appear to be observed, said Patch.

Spearheading the Los Angeles March was Black Lives Matter, Accelerate Impact's BLD PWR and California-based rapper, YG. CBS Los Angeles reported that the protest was attended by people of different races and ages. Others also volunteered to direct traffic as police presence was low during the gathering.

In a separate protest, some 150 to 300 people gathered outside City Hall and marched between Spring Street and Grand Park. West Hollywood also saw demonstrators marching south on La Brea Avenue towards Santa Monica Boulevard late Sunday.

A caravan of vehicles joined the Hispanic and black community as they drove through Compton en route to downtown Los Angeles and the LAPD headquarters. The city also hosted protesters on foot, on motorcycles and on horseback for the Compton Peace Walk.

A “peaceful bicycle protest” was likewise observed in Beverly Hills while demonstrators gathered “peacefully” at Mariachi Plaza in East Los Angeles. A memorial and civil rights rally was held in Venice, while people gathered in Glendale and hosted a candlelight vigil to honor police brutality victims.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on the other hand announced that members of the National Guard have left the area late Sunday following their eight-day stay to control L.A.'s unrest amid the protests.

“I'm proud that our city has been peaceful this week and that our residents are leading a powerful movement to make Los Angeles more just, equitable and fair for Black Angelenos, communities of color and all of our workers, youth and families,” Garcetti said, through Patch.

A small group of National Guards will be “stationed nearby until June 10 to provide emergency support” if needed, added the mayor.