Fresno protesters show solidarity with Ferguson

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Protesters gathered at the federal courthouse in Downtown Fresno on Monday to show solidarity with the protests in Ferguson, Mo., and other cities. The message was that racial minorities are victims of discrimination no matter what city they live in in this country.

"They are happening in every large city where there are high populations of black and brown folks. We are Ferguson; we are Baltimore...Fresno. The systematic oppression of black and brown folks is nationwide," said Rhea Martin.

The demonstrators distressed downtown drivers during the lunch hour, blocking traffic on Tulare and O streets for about half an hour. Several angry drivers forced their way through the crowd. The demonstrators believe they needed to make a statement and send a message to Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer and Sheriff Margaret Mims.

"What we need to understand is black and brown lives do matter, and Mims and Jerry Dyer, they need to realize that. I don't know what cloud they are on, but people are suffering every day on the streets," said Jonathan Luevanos.

Fresno police closed the streets to traffic until the demonstration stopped. When it was all over, they cited several of the protest organizers for blocking traffic and other offenses.

"They will receive tickets. They will have to go to court, pay a fine, just like as if you were jaywalking," said Fresno Police Capt. Andy Hall.

Some of the protest organizers face several infractions, which could amount to several hundred dollars in fines for blocking traffic.