Downtown Los Angeles, CA: Professional climate scientists chained themselves to the front of Chase Bank blocking entrance and egress throughout the duration of a climate change protest in Downtown Los Angeles Wednesday afternoon.

LAPD officers were dispatched to respond with riot gear at 7th Street and Francisco after discovering individuals had locked themselves to Chase Bank. LAPD called for additional traffic control at the scene and the surrounding streets were blocked off until about 5:30 p.m.

According to individuals involved in the protest, this protest comes after IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) released a report of climate mitigation opportunities that business and community leaders, and elected officials, failed to respond to. The Chase Bank location was chosen as they have been reported to be one of the largest funders and supporter of fossil fuel related projects and expansions.

Four of the group leaders, professional climate scientists, chained themselves to the front of the Chase bank entrance. According to an LAPD officer on the scene, officers were able to remove the chain with bolt cutters and promptly arrest the four scientists. No other arrests at the event were made.

LAPD riot police were on the scene throughout the duration of the protest to enforce compliance and safety, but no means of force were used throughout the event.

Los Angeles Fire Department also staged nearby in case of medical need, but they were not called upon to act. No injuries were reported.