Approximately 100 protesters are making their way down Mission Street, calling for the release of Bradley Manning, a U.S. Army intelligence analyst accused of leaking classified material to WikiLeaks.
As of press time, the protesters were blocking two-way traffic on Mission Street between 16th and 17th streets.
At least 30 police officers are on scene — by car, foot and bike — and no violence has been reported, according to a police department spokesperson.
Nonviolent demonstrations in support of Manning’s release are planned throughout the country today, according to the New American. The demonstrations are timed to coincide with President Obama’s acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Manning was arrested in May 2010 and charged with dispersing national defense information to unauthorized sources and “aiding the enemy.” In August, Manning activists “occupied” Obama’s campaign office in Oakland for at least three hours until they were forced out by police.