With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos, Video: Anti-Trump Protests Shut Down The 101 Freeway
Demonstrators took to the streets to rally against Donald Trump across the country Wednesday night, including in Los Angeles, where the melee intensified into the night. Approximately 3,000 protestors took the steps of City Hall, marched through the streets of downtown and eventually shut down the 101 freeway for several hours. According to the LAPD, 28 arrests were made. The L.A. Times reports that the traffic backup extended for miles, and that all lanes were reopened by 4 a.m.
The downtown protests were by and large peaceful, even as the scene grew rowdier in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Many of the protesters expressed solidarity with L.A.'s immigrant community, and rage and disbelief that a man they view as a racist will soon hold the highest office in the country.
"Say it loud, say it clear, immigrants are welcome here," groups of people chanted.
At one point, hundreds of protesters stood at the edge of the freeway along Alameda Street, facing towards the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal prison in downtown Los Angeles.
Support for LAist comes from
"We see you. We see you. We see you," the protesters chanted over and over while the prisoners flashed lights from their windows to show they could hear.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Immigration raids have caused some U.S. citizens to carry their passports to the store, to school or to work. But what documents to have on you depends on your citizenship. -
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
Best of LAist