ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland has closed its eastern entrance on Harbor Boulevard and covered its marquee sign after Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered on the main thoroughfare.
Over 600 demonstrators descended on the area, some waving green, black and white flags, around 1 p.m. and began marching along Harbor Boulevard.
The Anaheim Police Department told Spectrum News they are monitoring the situation and have blocked the north and south bound side of Harbor Boulevard between Disney Way and Manchester Avenue.
"The group has been peaceful," said Sgt. John McClintock, the public information officer for the Anaheim Police. "We've blocked off the streets to ensure the demonstrators and public are safe."
McClintock added that they had cordoned off a section of Harbor Boulevard near the McDonald's across the street and found a suspicious piece of luggage, which they've requested to be investigated.
"Out of an abundance of caution, we requested the Orange County Sheriff Department's Bomb Squad to inspect the contents of the bag," he said. A source later said there was nothing dangerous in the bag.
The demonstration comes as President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden arrived in Los Angeles Friday for fundraising appearances and were met by "Free Gaza" protestors.
The U.S. on Friday vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding a humanitarian cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, the Associated Press reported.
This is the second Pro-Palestinian demonstration in as many days. A large group gathered in the Little Arabia district of the city on Friday.
In an emailed statement, a Walt Disney Co. spokesperson said to Spectrum News that they closed the Harbor entrance side of Disneyland early this afternoon.
"In response to the October terrorist attacks in Israel and the ensuing humanitarian crisis from the Israel-Hamas War, Disney made financial contributions to respected aid organizations operating in the region, focusing on entities offering humanitarian relief to innocent children and families in both Israel and Gaza," the Disney spokesperson said.
"With today's demonstration, our focus is on the safety and well being of our guests, our cast members, and the protestors, and we are coordinating closely with public safety officials and community leaders to help maintain order," the spokesperson added.