Gun Protest in Leimert Park

LEIMERT PARK -- A coalition of at least 30 black community leaders and residents staged a protest at a weapons accessories supply warehouse in Los Angeles today, according to an activist.

The group met 11 a.m. at the Botach Tactical warehouse at 3423 West 43rd Place calling on Los Angeles city officials to review the operation in light of their attempts to contain gun violence in the area, said Earl Ofari Hutchinson, president of the Los Angeles Urban Policy Roundtable.

The company provides supplies to military and law enforcement agencies, according to its Web site.

There was confusion today about whether the company sells firearms. Activists say they sell guns. The company was closed today and officials could not be reached to comment. There is a link to firearms on the company Web site, but nothing is listed under the link.

Sgt. Robert Rivers, of the Southwest Division police department, said he has been in the warehouse and that he believes they no longer sell guns. Rivers said they sell uniforms for police and the military.

"We want to replace the business with something that improves the community economically, that will bring jobs," said Eddie Jones, president of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Association.

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