Sun 07 June 2020:
Thousands of demonstrators continued to protest Saturday the death of a black man in the US who was killed while in police custody.
Protests took place from New York to Los Angeles but Washington was at the epicenter, as thousands of people — black, white and brown — flooded downtown streets surrounding the White House, which was barricaded with black metal fencing.
“This fight has been happening for many, many decades, hundreds of years, and at this point it’s time for a change,” said Washington native Christine Montgomery.
“I’m here so my son is not the next hashtag that is circulating worldwide,” she added, indicating her 10-year-old child standing next to her.
On a sunny but oppressively hot day, many people wore masks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Volunteers gave out water, hand sanitizer and other supplies as the area took on a block party vibe, with music, mural painting, food trucks, and vendors selling Black Lives Matter T-shirts.
Helicopters circled overhead as some protesters danced — but the pain which drove many in to the streets was never far below the surface, as others yelled “This ain’t no party!”
Military personnel as well as police watched over the gathering. But there appeared to be fewer than on previous days, and some gave the protesters small smiles and waves as they marched by.
On the National Mall, fencing and uniformed guards blocked protesters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr famously delivered his “I have a dream” speech in 1963.
But there were some changes to policing as well.
In Seattle, authorities announced a temporary ban on tear gas. A federal judge in Denver forbade the use of chemical agents and projectiles like rubber bullets against peaceful protesters. And in Dallas, police marched in solidarity with protesters.
The unrest has handed US President Donald Trump — the target of many a biting protest sign and chant — one of the greatest challenges of his tumultuous presidency.
While condemning Floyd’s death, he has adopted a tough stance toward protesters, calling them “thugs” or “terrorists” and threatening a military crackdown.
“LAW & ORDER!” the president tweeted as evening fell Saturday, adding later that the crowd in DC was “much smaller” than anticipated.
Demonstrators protested against racism and police brutality in the nation’s capital of Washington D.C., as a second memorial ceremony for George Floyd was being held in the state of North Carolina.
Protesters gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial and conducted a die-in, remaining silent for eight minutes and 46 seconds — the amount of time now former white police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck during his deadly arrest.
Demonstrators then marched to Lafayette Park across from the White House. Mayor Muriel Bowser and health care workers marched in support of demonstrators.
“We should all be watching what’s happening in Washington D.C. because we do not want the federal government to do this to any other Americans,” Bowser said while walking with protesters.
Nationwide demonstrations against police brutality have continued for nearly two weeks following Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Four officers have been fired who were involved in the arrest. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder. The other officers were charged with aiding and abetting.
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