Anti-war protesters took to the streets in downtown Los Angeles on Saturday as the U.S. appeared poised to strike civil war-torn Syria over its use of alleged chemical weapons against rebels.
More than 200 people were involved in the mostly peaceful protests at Pershing Square, beginning about 1:30 p.m. Police cited about 40 people for disrupting traffic in the streets and arrested two protesters who refused to sign the citations, said LAPD Capt. Michael Oreb.
Many of the protesters were supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad who questioned evidence that he used chemical weapons against rebels.
"We don't need to spend our money, our tax money, our hardworking money ... on wars," said Syrian-American protester Emily Greer. "We need peace. We don't want wars."
As President Barack Obama seeks congressional approval for military action against Syria, Congressman Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, said senators and representatives need ought to carefully consider their decision.
"This is not a judgment to be made by the Congress in haste, and consultation with the administration needs to intensify now," Schiff said in a prepared statement. "I was briefed by the intelligence community again yesterday, and look forward to tomorrow's hearing."
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