Ahead of Christmas in the US... Protests and Shooting Incidents Continue Across Downtown Areas

In the United States ahead of Christmas, protests and shootings have been occurring mainly in crowded areas. In the shopping districts of Los Angeles (LA), pro-Palestinian protesters held road-blocking demonstrations, and in a large shopping mall in Florida, one person died in a shooting incident.

According to major foreign media on the 24th (local time), hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters condemning Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip marched on the streets on the night of the 23rd toward the popular Beverly Center Mall in LA. The protesters occupied the intersection of 3rd Street and La Cienega near the Beverly Center Mall. In response, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) regarded it as an illegal assembly and blocked the protesters from entering the shopping mall. There was no major clash between the police and protesters during this process. It was also reported that there was no friction with pro-Israel demonstrators who support Israel's response.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

On the same day, a shooting occurred at the Paddock Mall in Ocala, Florida. One man died in the incident, and a woman was shot in the leg. The suspect fled, but the police are pursuing a Black male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and a black mask. This shooting happened during the busiest shopping season of the year, following Black Friday. However, the police believe that this incident was not aimed at the general public.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.