Hundreds Of Protesters At South Bay Facility Demand Ceasefire In Gaza

EL SEGUNDO, CA — Up to 200 demonstrators gathered Monday at the Raytheon facility in El Segundo to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, according to police.

The protest began around 7 a.m. and the crowd peaked about an hour later at 150-200 people who came to show support for Palestinians, police said.

“So far it’s been nothing violent but there’s been some vandalism,” Investigative Lt. Michael Sistoni said shortly after noon, adding that by mid-day the crowd had dwindled to around 50 demonstrators.

Protesters used spray paint on Raytheon property and damaged the company’s cameras and the keypad at the entrance to the facility, according to Sistoni, who reported no injuries, arrests, counter-protesters, road closures or impact to Raytheon’s operations.

Demonstration organizers told KTLA they chose to protest at Raytheon because of the company’s role in supporting the U.S. and Israeli militaries.

The El Segundo facility works on tactical and surveillance radars, electronic warfare systems and space-based sensors, according to Raytheon’s website. The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As many as 100 officers, including from Los Angeles County and neighboring municipal agencies, responded to the protest as a precaution and to assist with dispersal, according to Sistoni.