Protesters were expected to take to the streets against Sunday after largely peaceful demonstrations in three California cities following the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.

A churchgoer wearing a hoodie raises her hands in prayer at a Miami church
A churchgoer wearing a hoodie raises her hands in prayer at a Miami church (Angel Valentin/Getty Images)
loading...

Rallies were planned in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego and San Francisco, a day after Zimmerman was cleared of all charges in the February 2012 death of Martin.

The gatherings Saturday night ranged from a few dozen to a couple hundred people. In Oakland, protesters broke windows at the Oakland Tribune and started small fires in the streets. Local media reports said some Oakland marchers vandalized a police squad car and police formed a line to block the protesters' path.

Footage from a television helicopter showed people spray painting anti-police graffiti. Protesters also burned an American and a California state flag and spray painted Alameda County's Davidson courthouse, according to the Oakland Tribune.

The Oakland demonstration followed a raucous but largely peaceful rally in San Francisco. Police say officers escorted demonstrators as they marched on the city's Mission District. The group was dispersed by 10 p.m.

The verdict also sparked protests in Los Angeles, where demonstrators gathered in Leimert Park, the city's historically black neighborhood. Police were put on tactical alert, but there were no reports of arrests.

More than 40 people gathered at Sacramento City Hall, and the Sacramento Bee reported that protesters chanted: "What do we want? Justice. When do you we want it? Now. For who? Trayvon."

A banner behind speakers read, "No justice, no peace!"

 



(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM