Rage: Saudi Police Open Fire on Protesters

CAIRO (AP / THE BLAZE) -- Saudi police have opened fire at a rally in the kingdom's east in an apparent escalation of efforts to stop planned protests. The protesters have called for a "Day of Rage" on Friday.

Government officials have warned they will take strong action if activists take to the streets after increasing calls for large protests around the oil-rich kingdom to press for democratic reforms.

A witness in the eastern city of Qatif says gunfire and stun grenades were fired at several hundred protesters marching in the city streets Thursday. The witness, speaking on condition of anonymity because he feared government reprisal, said police in the area opened fire. The witness saw at least one protester injured.