WEST HOLLYWOOD— On Monday, June 1, hundreds of protesters peacefully marched through West Hollywood and Hollywood. Such demonstrations against police brutality have emerged in response to the murder of George Floyd.

The protesters went down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard, many held signs stating “Black Lives Matter” and chanted “Say his name! George Floyd!”. When the street lights turned red, the crowd would kneel and wait. Pauses were taken at The Pantages Theatre and The Laugh Factory. Throughout the streets, businesses boarded their windows with messages of support written on them.

LAPD’s Officer Corey Palka took a knee with protesters, showing his support and solidarity. He did so in an attempt to maintain peace and avert violence from erupting.

An organizer of the event addressed the violence as well, saying: “I don’t need you to come out here and live out your Joker fantasies… stay home.”

There were instances of violence and looting later in the evening. A Hollywood Rite Aid, Pavilions, Walgreens, Verizon Wireless, and more were attacked. LAPD managed to arrive on the scene and arrest some of the looters. One of which was chased after on foot for nearly a block. Additionally, those who defied L.A. County’s 6 p.m. curfew were arrested near Selma and Ivar with a bus waiting to transport them.

There were also protesters in Van Nuys that took a similar turn. As a result, nearly 1,200 people have been arrested in L.A. County.