Watch CBS News

Hundreds March In Support Of Vendor Who Was Attacked

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — About  200 people marched along Santa Monica Blvd in Hollywood – briefly shutting down a lane of traffic Thursday as frustrations spill into the streets.

The march was sparked by a viral video - which shows a man losing his temper with a street vendor – Benjamin Ramirez Silverio. After words are exchanged about moving the cart out of the way on the sidewalk, the man in the video ultimately flips Benjamin's cart.

Outrage and support for Ramirez brought people out Thursday.

"What he did was a public humiliation. What he [the vendor] was doing was working to make money for his family," Giovanna Salas said.

"These people here – we're a Mexican family and we are united – we'll be united around him because we've got to start protecting our vendors," Carrie Copsin said.

Along with the march Ramirez was also surprised with a $1,000 check from an organization called Goldrich Kest. Ramirez says he can't believe the ugly episode he recorded on his phone generated this much goodwill.

"I had no clue, to me it was like a dream. I had no idea there would be such a turn out and be blown up like this," Ramirez said through a translator.

Vendors tell CBS2 what they saw on video tapped into a real issue for them – a lack of rights and respect for those working hard to eke out a living.

 

 

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.