Peaceful Trump Protest Turns Chaotic, Shuts Down 101 Freeway In Downtown LA

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Thousands of people protested the election of Donald Trump for president of the United States in downtown Los Angeles Wednesday night with a demonstration that quickly grew chaotic and dangerous.

What started as a somewhat disorganized but peaceful assembly seemed to get fragmented and out of control just before 10 p.m.  Protesters took to the 110 Freeway and disrupted traffic around downtown and eventually shut down the 101 Freeway. CBS2's Stu Mundel was in Sky 2 and Tom Wait reported on the ground.

Los Angeles police moved in with riot gear and with help from the CHP tried to form a perimeter as the situation grew more unruly. Around 11 p.m officers started taking people into custody and arrested at least 13, the LAPD said.

Police eventually seemed to have the situation under control until the crowd ignited and dispersed onto the freeway again around 11:15 p.m.

After midnight, police seemed to get command again and protesters started to retreat.

The protest started at around 7:30 p.m. and may have been organized on Facebook.

Mundel was in Sky 9 earlier above the protest that appeared to be disorganized and had no specific start and end point. Crowds in large numbers marched on Main Street approaching Temple, while a large crowd also gathered at the front of City Hall. The Los Angeles police monitored the situation.

An effigy of Donald Trump was burning at one point but was put out quickly.