Thousands of protesters descend on Hamburg ahead of G-20

Video from the scene showed German police in riot gear charging into the crowd of demonstrators, and law enforcement deploying water cannons to disburse the crowds protesting outside of buildings where world leaders will meet for the two-day gathering.

According to the Associated Press, German police began using the water cannons after protesters began throwing bottles and other objects.

Thousands of anti-capitalism protesters from around Europe are expected to pour into Hamburg to participate in a demonstration, titled “Welcome to Hell,” and protest G-20 policies.

At least 30 demonstrations were announced for before and during the summit.

Police expected roughly 100,000 protesters and security forces said approximately 8,000 of those demonstrators were expected to commit violence, according to Reuters.

Nearly 20,000 police officers will be on hand for the main protest.

Earlier Thursday, 1,000 actors gathered on the streets of Hamburg dressed as zombies in a call for more political and social responsibility from world leaders.

The demonstration was led by the 1,000 Gestalten collective.

“Our campaign is a further symbol for the fact that many people do not want to put up with the destructive impact of capitalism any longer,” a spokesman for 1,000 Gestalten said in a statement. “What will save us in the end is not our account balance, but someone who will offer their holding hand.”

World leaders arrived in Hamburg for the two-day meeting that begins Friday, with countries are expected to discuss terrorism, trade and North Korea.