Times reporter Ruben Vives is reporting live in South Los Angeles, where protesters are taking to the streets around Crenshaw and Martin Luther King Jr. boulevards to oppose the not-guilty verdict for George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who killed Trayvon Martin.
Earlier, dozens of protesters gathered in Leimert Park for a vigil in support of Martin. Following the vigil, marchers moved along Crenshaw Boulevard chanting "No justice, No Peace."
Police estimated that 80 to 150 people began engaging in lawless activity along Crenshaw as they jumped on top of vehicles and appeared to assault bystanders.
Some protesters stormed a Wal-Mart as guards scrambled to close security gates. A short while later, Los Angeles Police Department officers wearing helmets and carrying batons swarmed the store as others marched through the parking lot.
The LAPD declared a tactical alert about 9 p.m., which means that off-duty officers can be held on duty when their shifts end and may respond only to high-priority calls.
The LAPD arrested at least one person but vowed to take more into custody if the lawless actions continued.
Zimmerman, 29, was acquitted Saturday in Florida of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the 2012 shooting death of Trayvon Martin, 17.
Another order. Crowd told to disperse and leave down Vernon Avenue. Most seem to be complying. https://t.co/kkmkCMtlWj Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
Police have managed to contained the crowd at Vernon Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard. Crowds been told to disperse by LAPD. Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
Violence is never the answer. Urging all protestors around LA 2let peace prevail.This is OUR City and we need to work 2gether 2 preserve it Chief Charlie Beck (@LAPDChiefBeck) July 16, 2013
LAPD tells us no less-than-lethal rounds fired thus far at #Zimmerman protest in Crenshaw area, 1 patrol car damaged. HT: @anblanx robert lopez (@LAJourno) July 16, 2013
Demonstrators are setting off fireworks. They've mAde their way back toward Leimert Plaza Park Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
Walmart shoppers said demonstrators tried to break open the jewelry glass displays . Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
That's 3 nights of TACTICAL ALERTS. tonight, LAPD trying to deal with younger, more capricious crowd. Challenge will grow if this keeps up. Andrew Blankstein (@anblanx) July 16, 2013
BREAKING: LAPD declares citywide tactical alert amid #Zimmerman protests robert lopez (@LAJourno) July 16, 2013
Woman inside Walmart said young kids had stormed in, throwing merchandise on the ground and yelling. #TravonMartin Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
Dozens storm into a Walmart on king blvd and Crenshaw. Some were picking up guard rails no injured inside security officers say Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
The vigil has concluded. But dozens remain at Leimert Plaza Park. Some are dancing, while several others are chanting and circling the park. Ruben Vives (@LATvives) July 16, 2013
"We (government) need to do a lot less, a lot sooner" ~Ron Paul
Some protesters stormed a Wal-Mart as guards scrambled to close security gates.
They did this because if there is one place you can find justice on a budget,it is China's Outlet Mall.
I'm wondering how much stuff they "liberated in da name ob juz-tiz!"?
Why is democracy held in such high esteem when its the enemy of the minority and makes all rights relative to the dictates of the majority? (Ron Paul,2012)