Thousands Gather In Hollywood To Protest Death Of George Floyd, Dozens Arrested For Violating Curfew

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA) — Thousands of other people gathered in Hollywood Tuesday to protest the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Several organizers promoted separate events that converged around Hollywood and Vine just before noon.

On Monday, rapper YG announced he would be holding a protest Tuesday saying, "LA meet me. Hollywood Blvd & Vine tomorrow Tuesday 12 noon BLM - George Floyd. All positive vibes tomorrow. No looting!"

By Tuesday, the rapper announced he had canceled the after being told, "my protest was not safe and that people could get hurt or shot.''

"I'm not trying to get any of my people hurt or shot so I'm gonna cancel today,'' the rapper said, pledging to "come back bigger and better on the part of Black Lives Matter.''

Despite the rapper canceling his demonstration, thousands still gathered — some of whom were there because of a group of high school students that had organized a protest.

Shortly after noon, the gathering had split into two marches of at least several hundred people, both still peaceful.

One group marched to Las Palmas and turned south, while another group was headed east on Hollywood Boulevard.

As one group turned onto Sunset Boulevard, they passed a Rite Aid that was hit by looters Monday night. Tuesday's protesters emphasized that they did not want any looting or unrest but rather make their points in a peaceful manner.

"Blacks are getting killed for no reason," one protestor said. "If no one speaks, who will? We can't be silent anymore. We want change. We need change. And the change starts now."

A heavy police presence was on hand monitoring the situation, as the marchers continued circling blocks in the Hollywood area. A caravan of cars also joined those marching, with people holding signs out of their windows and chanting.

"We are all human. We have the same rights," said another protestor. "We should have the same type of peace and protection. Please stop killing us. We only want to be equal with you guys."

The protestors stated they planned to march all day and into the night, as long as they were allowed. However, around 7 p.m. — one hour after the countywide curfew went into effect — officers began arresting those who remained.

LA Metro announced that Red and Purple Line trains were skipping the Pershing Square, Civic Center, 7th/Metro, Hollywood/Vine, Hollywood/Western and Hollywood/Highland stations due to the ongoing protests.

For complete coverage of the situation in Minneapolis visit CBSMinnesota.com and stream CBSN Minnesota.