A protest slows the morning drive on the 405 Freeway in West LA Tuesday Aug. 13, 2024.
A protest that blocked traffic Tuesday morning on the 405 Freeway in West Los Angeles resulted in a major traffic backup.
Protesters were briefly sitting on the southbound 405 Freeway near the 10 Freeway, backing up traffic from near Venice Boulevard toward the Sepulveda Pass. California Highway Patrol officers appeared to take several people into custody.
Lanes reopened at about 9:30 a.m., but traffic remained slow on the southbound side of the freeway.
The CHP said about 40 to 50 people took part in the freeway protest. Nine were arrested.
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The agency issued a statement about the protest, which began around 9 a.m. and ended about 50 minutes later.
"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," the CHP said in the statement. "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."
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The group was calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas War and an end to U.S. military support of Israel.
