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300 Demonstrators Gather In Hollywood To Protest Officers Acquittal In Kelly Thomas Fatal Beating

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Demonstrators in Hollywood Saturday called for justice for Kelly Thomas, the mentally ill homeless man who was beaten to death by Fullerton police more than two years ago.

CBS2's Brittney Hopper said the protesters were peaceful and under the watchful eye of a phalanx of LAPD.

She said more than 300 people held signs, chanted and spoke out about their anger that two Fullerton officers were acquitted in the fatal beating after a lengthy trial.

The fatal 2011 beating was caught on video.

Kelly Thomas' father, Ron Thomas, was among the protesters. He has attended every vigil and protest.

"It's not just about Kelly," said Ron. "Kelly is a symbol of what is going on in our society and our nation, not just southern California. If this can happen to someone, begging for their life, and beaten to death, and the officers just walk away, this is really, really bigger than Kelly at this point."

Protesters told Hopper they planned to march to Hollywood and Highland and then hear from Ron Thomas.

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