It was the third consecutive night of unrest, vandalism, and protest in Oakland over the verdict in the Zimmerman trial, and this time nine people were arrested for various offenses including assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism. A couple hundred people rallied at Frank Ogawa Plaza at 6 p.m. Monday, and then marched over to the 880 freeway led by several individuals on scraper bikes, where they briefly blocked traffic in both directions at rush hour.
The chaos and vandalism around downtown continued into the early hours of this morning, and a server at the restaurant Flora, across from the Fox Theater, was hit in the head with a hammer by one of the vandals and spent the night in the emergency room. Protesters lit fireworks in the street, and engaged in confrontations with Oakland police at several locations, including the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse at 12th and Oak Streets, and a 580 freeway onramp near Lake Merritt.
According to Oakland journalist Thomas Peele, there were two reports of people injured, including one protester who claims they were hit by a police flash grenade.
Several downtown businesses had windows smashed like they always do when one of these events happens, including Men's Wearhouse and the beleaguered Foot Locker at 14th and Broadway.
Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and interim police chief Sean Whent went on KQED's Forum this morning to discuss the protests and the public reaction.
Similar protests happened last night in the Crenshaw district of Los Angeles as well.
Previously: Justice For Trayvon: Rallies In S.F. And Oakland To Protest Zimmerman Verdict
