Zimmerman Protests Get Tense in LA

Anger at the acquittal of George Zimmerman sparked protests in cities in towns across the US, ranging in size from a few dozen people to thousands. Most protests remained peaceful, but windows were smashed at a demonstration in Oakland and a few groups of protesters split from the main march in Los Angeles to clash with police, the Los Angeles Times reports. About 80 eventually gathered outside the CNN building in Hollywood, defying orders to disperse. The LAPD made at least seven arrests during the day.

In New York City, a rally to protest the verdict turned into an unplanned parade to Times Square that drew in thousands of people, the New York Times reports. Police made seven arrests late at night after some protesters started throwing bottles. Protests also took place in San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Baltimore, Detroit, and other cities, reports CNN. The Rev. Jesse Jackson called for more protests, but urged demonstrators to remain peaceful. "Let no act discredit the legacy of Trayvon Martin. In the long run, we will prevail in the struggle for justice," he said. "Any act of violence could serve to undermine the innocent blood and moral authority of Trayvon." (More George Zimmerman stories.)