Hundreds of protesters shut down traffic near Oscars venue as stars arrive on red carpet and LAPD issues dispersal order
AS celebrities arrive at the 96th Oscars, about a thousand protestors crowd the street calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Palestine war.
The Los Angeles Police Department was increasing their presence in the Hollywood area in anticipation of a protest.
“It’s going to be our goal to ensure that the Academy Awards is successful, that guests can arrive safely and get into the venue,” Los Angeles Police Department Commander Randy Goddard told the The New York Times.
“But, also, we are going to try very hard to make contact with the groups as they show up, and lay out the expectation that we as the police are here to support your First Amendment constitutional rights.”
He even suggested that at least one group “would like to stop the Academy Awards.”
Police have since issued a dispersal order for the protest.
“A Dispersal Order was issued in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue for Unlawful Assembly,” the Los Angeles Police Department said on X, formerly Twitter.
“Stay away from the area.”
In the Time report, Goddard also said that protestors could block city streets ahead of the Oscars or near Dolby Theatre, which is where the event will take place.
Crowds were chanting "Free free Palestine!" while waving Palestinian flags and holding up signs.
Dozens of posters showed a movie slate painted in black, white, green and red, the colors of the Palestinian flag, with a message addressed to the Oscar audience: “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping," according to The LA Times.
They also waved signs saying "Cease-fire Now" and chanted "Let's shut it down!" while walking Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
Israel launched airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.
The initial attacked killed about 1,200 people and more than 240 hostages were taken.
The death toll in Gaza has since passed 30,000, with most of the casualties being women and children, according to the World Health Organization.
The Oscars can be streamed on ABC's website and the ABC app with a cable subscription.
You can also watch the star-studded show on Hulu Live TV, YouTube TV, AT&T TV and Fubo TV.
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