Police fire tear gas at Hong Kong protesters as tensions spiral over controversial extradition bill

Police fire tear gas at Hong Kong protesters as tensions spiral over controversial extradition bill

Police fire tear gas at Hong Kong protesters as tensions spiral over controversial extradition bill originally appeared on abcnews.go.com

Police fired tear gas at throngs of protesters in the streets of Hong Kong on Wednesday amid growing anger over the government’s proposal to change an extradition law.

The controversial extradition law amendment, which would allow individuals to be sent to mainland China for trial, was introduced to Hong Kong’s Legislative Council on Wednesday. The bill will be voted on June 20.

Protesters occupied the streets outside the Legislative Council complex and clashed with riot police, who responded by hitting them with batons and firing multiple rounds of tear gas.

(MORE: Protests continue in Hong Kong over extradition bill: What's at stake?)

Despite the mass protests and increased police presence, the bill is expected to become law.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.