Zimmerman Verdict Protests Turn Violent in Los Angeles

At least 13 arrested amid reports of vandalism and assault

Protests against the George Zimmerman verdict took a violent turn on Monday night in Los Angeles as a small segement of the mostly peaceful demonstrations raided neighborhood stores and reportedly attacked a local news crew.

Also read: John Oliver on Zimmerman Verdict: Florida Law Seems Cut and Pasted From 1881 Tombstone

At least 13 people were arrested after a group of about 150 people broke off from a peaceful protest and stormed through Los Angeles' Crenshaw neighborhood, vandalizing cars and stores and assaulting others, including a KCBS/KCAL reporter and his cameraman, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A Jack-in-the-Box and a Wal-Mart were also targets of the mob's rage, but little damage was done before the LAPD moved in and ordered the crowd to disperse. Though LAPD Lietutenant Andy Neiman said protestors threw blocks of concrete at the officers, the mob soon stood down before the situation could escalate any further.

Also read: Zimmerman Trial Witness Rachel Jeantel Calls Verdict 'BS' During Piers Morgan Interview

There have been intermittant protests in Los Angeles and other cities, such as Oakland, in response to George Zimmerman's acquittal on Saturday night. Zimmerman faced charges of murder and manslaughter after killing an unarmed black teenager during a confrontation. Zimmerman claimed he was acting in self-defense.

A larger demonstration in Los Angeles' Leimert Park, meanwhile, remained peaceful.

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