Thousands return to protest officer-involved shootings across US

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A number of protests were being held over the officer-involved shootings across the nation Saturday night, including several with demonstrators in Southern California.

Police used tear gas and smoke bombs during a clash with protesters blocking a freeway in St. Paul, Minnesota. The demonstrators were angry over the fatal police shooting of a 32-year-old man during a traffic stop.

Across the country, thousands have taken to the streets to express their outrage over police killings of black men in Minnesota, Louisiana and other states.

In the Inland Empire, several dozen demonstrators took part in a protest Saturday night.

"This ain't about no violence - not violence toward cops not violence towards blacks. This is to save the IE," one protester said.

Around 200 people rallied outside the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in downtown L.A.

The rally, billed as "Black and Brown Lives Matter," was organized by Union del Barrio Los Angeles to show solidarity with other communities where fatal officer-involved shootings have drawn nationwide attention.

"The killings of our community, black and brown bodies that are being shot down, will not cease until we see police officers behind bars," said Francisco Romero of the group.

At one point, the crowd marched into the street in front of the police department, stopping traffic for several minutes. They returned to the sidewalks and the demonstration ended peacefully.

"Everybody needs to come together, and we need to organize as a community for a change," said protester James Baker.

Several hundred protesters also blocked streets and freeways leading to the bay bridge in San Francisco earlier Saturday night.