In a show of solidarity with Palestine, protesters gathered outside the Tesla factory in Fremont on Monday evening, following a series of earlier demonstrations that brought traffic to a halt on the Golden Gate Bridge and in the East Bay.

According to KRON4 crews in Fremont, the demonstration at Tesla took an aggressive turn, as police resorted to using pepper balls to control the scene. Witnesses reported that several protesters and a news photographer were hit by the projectiles.

Approximately 50 protesters marched from the Warm Springs BART station to the Tesla plant, covering a distance of about a half-mile. Upon reaching their destination, they were confronted by the Fremont Police Department, which had set up barriers on Kato Road to control traffic. However, the protesters quickly dismantled the barriers, resulting in the police deploying pepper balls in response.

The demonstrators targeted Tesla as they believe the company benefits from U.S. tax dollars that also support American allies such as Israel. In a tweet, one protester shared an image of the projectiles used by the Fremont Police Department during the clash.

To prevent any disruption of traffic on I-880, the California Highway Patrol was placed on standby during the protest. Fortunately, the demonstration concluded just before 8 p.m.

As of Monday night, neither Tesla nor the Fremont Police Department had responded to requests for comment from KRON4.

The events at the Tesla factory in Fremont furthered the unfolding narrative of the ongoing protests in support of Palestine that have reverberated throughout California. The clashes between protesters and law enforcement underscore the intense emotions and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The situation continues to develop, and authorities will likely face questions about the use of force and the impact on peaceful protesters exercising their right to demonstrate. Further updates and statements from involved parties are expected in the coming days.