Protests against police brutality are continuing across the nation in cities like Atlanta, New York and more.
Earlier this week, peaceful protesters were teargassed and flashbanged by authorities in Washington D.C. outside of the White House as President Donald Trump made his way to a nearby church for a photo opportunity.
Elsewhere in the city, military helicopters were flown close to the ground in an attempt to disperse protesters.
A Louisville, Kentucky food vendor named David McAtee was killed by police after authorities responded to reports that people were out past curfew. Police said that someone began shooting at them and so they returned fire, hitting McAtee. ‘The BBQ Man,’ as McAtee was known, was a well-liked member of the community, famous for giving out free food at his stand.
And protests in Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and Hancock Park were largely peaceful, although some demonstrators were still arrested.
From LAist’s reporting on the protests in front of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s house:
One protester, Millana Snow, said she was “amazed and impressed” by the level of organizing, noting that clear instructions were given to protesters to ensure their safety and prevent damage to property, and that representatives from the National Lawyers Guild, identified by neon green caps, were on hand to give legal advice.
Black Lives Matter leaders spoke at the gates of the mayor’s mansion, using bullhorns to decry police brutality. Family members of people killed by law enforcement also shared their stories. An impromptu “electric slide” line dance lightened the mood.
Meanwhile, at the north end of the block, at South Irving Boulevard and West 6th Street, over 100 protesters took a defensive posture, sitting down at the corner of Irving Boulevard and 6th street, facing a line of police in helmets. People holding signs and recording with cell phones chanted “defund the police,” “f*** Garcetti” and “[District Attorney] Jackie Lacey must go.”
How are protests developing in cities around the country?
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