Protesters in Hollywood oppose U.S. intervention in Syria

A protest in Hollywood against U.S. military intervention in Syria snarled traffic Sunday but remained peaceful, police said.

Witnesses said more than 100 people gathered on Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, and video taken at the scene showed them chanting “Hands off Syria” and holding signs calling for peace. The protest came as Congress prepares to resume debate over whether to attack the Mideast nation amid allegations that Syrian President Bashar Assad had launched a chemical weapons attack that killed hundreds of people.

Media reports said at least one person was arrested, but Los Angeles police Officer Rosario Herrera could not confirm that or give details on the number of protesters, how many blocks they covered or whether traffic jams had been cleared. Photos posted on Twitter and elsewhere showed several LAPD officers on bikes and horses controlling the crowd.

In a Facebook post, rally organizers said they were peacefully protesting the “escalation of US military involvement in Syria, as well as the complete disregard of the will of the American people in the decision to begin a new war.”

“We in no way support the actions of the Assad regime, but are convinced that US intervention will instigate more violence and suffering,” the organizers wrote.

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