Dem Tom Steyer cuts gubernatorial campaign event short as black protesters confront him over reparations

Billionaire California gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer was escorted out of Leimert Park by the California Highway Patrol after protesters surrounded his SUV following a campaign event in the predominantly black neighborhood.

Leimert Park, widely viewed as a central part of Los Angeles’ black community, was the site of Steyer’s appearance, where he spoke to voters about his support for reparations for descendants of American slaves. During the event at Ora Cafe, Steyer said there is a “gigantic debt owed to this community.” He also referred to the black community as “the moral leader of the United States” since his lifetime.

As Steyer spoke inside the venue, protesters gathered outside. The event was cut short as demonstrators confronted him over his stance on reparations.

As attendees attempted to take photos with Steyer, security escorted him out through the back of the venue to a waiting black SUV. Protesters surrounded the vehicle as he entered.

“What’s your position on reparations Tom Steyer?” a protester shouted at him through the glass, according to reporter Maeve Reston. “How are you going to cut the check?”

Other protesters flipped him off through the windows. “Don’t ever come back to Africatown,” another told him.

A California highway patrol officer later arrived to allow Steyer’s driver to leave the neighborhood.

“Black people are really kind of tired of the Democratic Party always coming around during election season for our votes,” one demonstrator said, according to Reston. “It’s a brand new day. You can’t come over here offering us symbolism, dancing, singing, pats on the back and think we’re gonna vote for you.”

According to an Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics poll from earlier this month, Democrat candidate Xavier Becerra leads the gubernatorial race with 19 percent support, followed by Republican Steve Hilton, who is tied with Steyer for second with 17 percent each. California uses a top-two primary system in which the two candidates receiving the most votes advance to a runoff election.