Protesters urge LA to sever ties w/ Wells Fargo over Dakota Access Pipeline

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- About 100 people marched from Pershing Square to the Financial District in downtown Los Angeles protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The demonstrators stopped for a short rally in front of a Wells Fargo Bank. Divest L.A. organized Friday's march and rally, singling out the bank for its part in funding the pipeline project.

Protesters asked the Los Angeles City Council to do what Seattle did - sever ties with Wells Fargo.

"We're encouraging the city of L.A. to end their relationship with Wells Fargo and to adopt a new responsible banking ordinance that will raise a higher standard for the kind of banks that we do business with," protester David Calvillo said.

In a statement to Eyewitness News, Wells Fargo said the following, in part:

President Donald Trump signed an executive order overturning an Obama administration order stopping the construction of the pipeline. Demonstrators said the pipeline goes over sacred Native American land and threatens the water supply to millions of people.

Organizers said along with more rallies and marches, they are also planning to lobby members of the City Council and state legislators in Sacramento.