VIDEO: Police Continue To Use Tear Gas on Hong Kong Protesters

Hong Kong's Leader to Protesters: China Won't Back Down (CNN)

Hong Kong (CNN) -- Thousands of demonstrators bracing for the possibility of a police crackdown stood their ground in the heart of Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Protesters had masks, protective goggles and plastic raincoats on hand as they camped out on the main thoroughfare leading into the city's central business district.

"They're all ready just in case there is any sort of move by the Hong Kong police," CNN's Andrew Stevens reported.

It's been more than a day since officers fired tear gas and pepper spray at the crowd.