Local activists gather to protest police killings of unarmed black men

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Thousands of people in Houston and other cities gathered to stage large protests on Saturday. The groups are calling for an end to unarmed black men being killed by officers.

Many of those protesting near the Galleria knew about an officer-involved shooting from earlier in the morning.

Some who attended Saturday's protest seemed more aggressive towards the officers. One protester was seen kicking a metal barricade as an officer walked away. I heard the protesters yelling out cuss words to police, calling them 'pigs.'

One protester told Eyewitness News some officers were taunting them as well.

Police were seen and heard on bullhorns telling protesters to get onto the sidewalk and get out of the street. At least seven people were placed in zip ties and taken into police custody for not obeying their commands.

As we saw last Saturday, the protesters also performed what they call 4-minute 'die-ins.' They were used to signify the four hours Michael Brown's body laid on the street after he was shot and killed in Ferguson.

A number of protesters said they feel they are being heard, but are still waiting to see the results of their efforts.

"It may not change. That's the struggle with the situation. But if someone's mind if someone's conscious is turned in, the work is being done," said protester Biko Gray.

The Galleria posted up signs stating protesters will be prosecuted for trespassing if they go inside. Last Saturday, a number of stores temporarily shut down after more than 100 protesters took over common areas inside the Galleria.

So what's next? Many of the protesters said they will be back next weekend, the final weekend before Christmas.