142-532: Starting in May 2020, protests following the murder of George Floyd were held in the city of Portland , Oregon , concurrent with protests in other cities in the United States and around the world. By July 2020, many of the protests, which had been held every day since May 28, drew more than 1,000 participants. Protests continued into August, September, and October 2020, often drawing hundreds. The majority of
284-1012: A Cessna 208 Caravan surveillance plane linked with the U.S. Marshals Service circled overhead for 3 hours. About 1,000 demonstrators marched to Jefferson High School on June 14, the 18th day of protests. At a second city budget vote on the issue, commissioners voted 3–1 to cut PPB funding by $ 15 million. This would terminate the Gun Violence Reduction Team and cut funding for school resource officers and transit police, while reallocating nearly $ 5 million to Portland Street Response, which would respond to calls concerning homeless people instead of police. Commissioner Chloe Eudaly again voted "no". The group Care Not Cops, who wanted more money cut from PPB funding, later that day demonstrated outside of Wheeler's apartment in Northwest Portland. By midnight, they had been joined by hundreds of people, who began blocking off
426-514: A state of emergency . A fire was started inside the Multnomah County Justice Center. Pioneer Place and other storefronts saw looting. The riot lasted for approximately 5 hours; two officers were injured, and 13 people were arrested. The Portland Business Alliance estimated the riot cost local businesses "tens of millions" of dollars because of property damage, looting, and lost wages. On May 30, Rev. Mondainé posted
568-524: A "decentralized network of autonomous youth collectives dedicated to direct action towards total liberation". The groups' Facebook and Twitter accounts were created in February 2017, and amassed 6,100 and 28,700 followers, respectively, as of late July 2020. The group has used a black flag emoji, which often symbolizes anarchism . Children took leadership roles in some demonstrations, in Portland and across
710-461: A bone in his hand was also broken. The officers were later identified as U.S. Marshals, and the Department of Justice inspector general was said to be investigating. On that night, Portland mothers formed a human shield for the first time, a " Wall of Moms " to protect protesters from federal agents outside the federal courthouse. Federal agents in tactical gear fired tear gas canisters into
852-498: A contrast to daytime protests that were characterized as mostly peaceful events. Some initial acts of property destruction on May 27 by a 32-year-old man with ties to white supremacist organizations, who local police investigators said was deliberately inciting racial tension, led to a chain reaction of fires and looting. The unrest, including people overtaking the Minneapolis third precinct police station and setting it on fire
994-488: A deal worked out between Governor Kate Brown and the Trump administration, federal agents withdrew to standby locations on July 30, while state and local law enforcement forces took over responsibility for protecting the courthouse; they made no arrests and mostly stayed out of sight. Protests that night were largely peaceful. A DHS spokesperson said federal officers would remain in the area at least until August 3. Protests on
1136-723: A disturbance during protests on the night of July 20–21, eight were charged in connection with criminal conduct during the July 21–22 night protest–including one person charged with arson–and six were charged over events from the night of July 22–23, according to U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Billy Williams . According to the Justice Department, all had made an initial appearance in federal court and were released pending trial or other proceedings. The same day, thousands of protesters began gathering in front of
1278-467: A document stating a variant of "Defendant may not attend any other protests, rallies, assemblies or public gathering in the state of Oregon" while the person's case is pending; more than one constitutional lawyer has stated that conditioning release on such agreement is a violation of the freedom of assembly clause of the First Amendment . On July 25, a man was stabbed in downtown Portland, and
1420-911: A downtown Minneapolis court building where a pretrial hearing was held for the four police officers involved in Floyd's murder. On October 7, 2020, several protests were held in Minneapolis to express anger over Chauvin's release from jail pending trial after he posted bond for his $ 1 million bail . Minnesota Governor Tim Walz deployed 100 National Guards troops, 100 Minnesota state police troops, and 75 conservation officers. Fifty-one arrests were reported that night, mostly for misdemeanor offenses, such as unlawful assembly. In early 2021, Minneapolis and Hennepin County officials spent $ 1 million on fencing and other barricades for police stations and other government buildings to prepare for potential civil unrest during
1562-454: A history of protest and leftist politics since its founding: "[The ILWU] understood that division along the lines of race only benefited employers, because it weakened the efforts of workers to act together and to organize together. The UAW also asked members to join the protests by standing down for 8 minutes and 46 seconds , the amount of time Chauvin was initially reported to have held his knee to Floyd's neck. On June 17, in response to
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#17327832440541704-451: A man was beaten and left in the street unconscious near a Black Lives Matter protest in Portland. He had previously tried to intervene on behalf of a transgender woman who was being harassed, physically attacked, and robbed by a mob. Other people were also attacked by the mob. The man who allegedly rendered the victim unconscious with a kick to the head was identified as Marquise Love and was subsequently wanted by police. A 32-minute video shows
1846-459: A marquee that had counted down the days to Chauvin's trial to read, "Justice served?", and chanted, "One down! Three to go!", in reference to the looming trials of officers of the other three officers who participated in Floyd's arrest and subsequent murder. The street intersection area had been a "continuous site of protest" since the day Floyd was murdered, and at nearly a year after his murder, thousands of people from multiple countries had visited
1988-578: A performance presented in partnership with Sing For Hope , performed on the steps of the Brooklyn Public Library. By the end of June, more than 4,700 demonstrations had occurred in the United States—a daily average of 140—with an estimate of 15 million and 26 million total participants. Protests had occurred in over 40% of the counties in the United States. Protests in the aftermath of Floyd's murder were then considered
2130-485: A rally in Peninsula Park and a march organized at Laurelhurst Park . Hundreds of people gathered at Waterfront Park to hear activist and worship pastor Sean Feucht speak at the "Riots to Revival" event, where he sought to "flip the script" on recent unrest. Around 10:00 p.m., Moms United for Black Lives Matter, which evolved from Wall of Moms , led hundreds of marchers northwest from Peninsula Park to
2272-492: A residential neighborhood at a police precinct station. Tear gas was used. Captain Tony Passadore, the incident commander , sought to distance the violent rally from the greater George Floyd protests, saying "I don't want people to get confused to think that this was something related to Black Lives Matter ... I've been the incident commander for 24 nights of the 70-plus events, and I've seen amazing protesting going on in
2414-504: A result of anti-black sentiment, which is seen as structural in nature. According to a police statement, on May 25, 2020, at 8:08 p.m. CDT , Minneapolis Police Department (MPD) officers responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a "forgery in progress" on Chicago Avenue South in Powderhorn, Minneapolis . MPD Officers Thomas K. Lane and J. Alexander Kueng arrived with their body cameras turned on. A store employee told officers that
2556-420: A scam that Lamestream refuses to acknowledge, just like they don't report the violence of these demonstrations!" On July 22, mayor Wheeler attempted to address a crowd of protesters but was faced with boos and calls to resign. A riot was declared later in the night after police reported multiple flares and other incendiaries were thrown over the fence surrounding the federal courthouse, resulting in fires. Wheeler
2698-600: A silent rally inspired by the 1917 NAACP Silent Parade . The march generated widespread media attention as one of the largest peaceful protests in modern New York City history. On June 19, Juneteenth , the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) shut down ports on the West Coast in solidarity with protesters. An educator from the University of Washington said that the union has
2840-523: A stretcher. Not only had Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for about seven minutes (including four minutes after Floyd stopped moving) but another video showed an additional two officers had also knelt on Floyd while another officer watched. Although the police report stated that medical services were requested prior to the time Floyd was placed in handcuffs, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune , Emergency Medical Services arrived at
2982-454: A suspect was taken into custody on the same day. According to The Oregonian , the victim was a vocal Black supporter of Trump who was videographing the protests and had been trailed by a group of people. On July 28, federal prosecutors alleged that an incendiary device was thrown into the portico of the federal courthouse, causing a fire near the entrance, which led to the arrest and charges being brought against an 18-year-old protester. Under
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#17327832440543124-541: A video online urging protesters to stay home and calling looting and violence counterproductive. Demonstrators gathered in downtown Portland again; crowd estimates ranged from hundreds to a thousand. One group attempted to break into the Lloyd Center ; riot police broke up a group of approximately 200 people outside the shopping mall. Police said that a fire was set inside the Portland Law and Justice Center during
3266-530: A year after Floyd's murder, civil rights activists continued to call for passage of the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act . Many activists believed that "justice for George Floyd" required changing the systems of policing and criminal justice in a way that would have prevented his murder. On April 23, 2021, in Austin, Texas , activists rallied outside the state's capitol to call for passage of
3408-545: Is a public park in the Piedmont neighborhood of Portland, Oregon , United States. The 16.27-acre (6.58 ha) park is located in the North Portland neighborhood and contains an outdoor swimming pool, community center, baseball fields, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, covered picnic areas, a historic gazebo and other amenities. In 2007, area residents started to propose a piece of public art be added to
3550-419: The 1992 Los Angeles riots . The protests precipitated a worldwide debate on policing and racial injustice that has led to numerous legislative proposals on federal, state, and municipal levels in the U.S. intended to combat police misconduct , systemic racism , qualified immunity and police brutality . The protests led to a wave of monument removals , name changes , and societal changes throughout
3692-711: The Brooklyn Museum at Grand Army Plaza for the Liberation March, a silent protest in response to police brutality and violence against black transgender women. Frustrated by the lack of media coverage over the deaths of Nina Pop , who was stabbed in Sikeston, Missouri, on May 3 and Tony McDade , who was shot by police in Tallahassee, Florida, on May 27, artist and drag performer West Dakota and her mentor, drag queen Merrie Cherry, decided to organize
3834-594: The COVID-19 pandemic and other natural disasters, constituted the largest military operation other than war in U.S. history. By the end of June 2020, at least 14,000 people had been arrested. By June 2020, more than 19 people had died in relation to the unrest. A report from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project estimated that between May 26 and August 22, 93% of individual protests were "peaceful and nondestructive" and research from
3976-529: The ICE facility , and clashes occurred with police. The protests were initially precipitated by the murder of George Floyd , a black man, by police in Minneapolis . The New York Times reported that demonstrators in Portland, including some who identify as Antifa , the loose coalition of self-described anti-fascist activists, have had years of conflict with law enforcement. Other recent police killings of people of color, including Breonna Taylor , Elijah McClain , and
4118-711: The Morrison Bridge into downtown, where protests gathered at Waterfront Park. There were multiple demonstrations planned on June 5. Don't Shoot Portland organized the "George Floyd Memorial and Benefit Show" at Laurelwood Park. In the Woodstock neighborhood, the family-friendly "Black Lives Matter March & Rally" saw up to 2,000 people march from the All Saints Episcopal along Southeast Woodstock to 52nd, and no incidents requiring police intervention. Demonstrators also gathered at Revolution Hall for
4260-406: The federal government deployed law enforcement officers to Portland for the stated purpose of protecting federal property amid the unrest. The deployment was criticized for not clearly identifying officers and for seizing protesters not on or near federal property, including by Portland's mayor and most of the state's congressional delegation. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection service defended
4402-752: The killing of Eric Garner in New York City resulted in numerous national protests. In 2015, the death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore police custody resulted in riots in the city and nationwide protests as part of the Black Lives Matter movement. Several nationally publicized incidents occurred in Minnesota, including the 2015 shooting of Jamar Clark in Minneapolis ; the 2016 shooting of Philando Castile in Falcon Heights ; and
George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon - Misplaced Pages Continue
4544-455: The shooting of Jacob Blake contributed to the national and local unrest driving the protests. Protesters also drew attention to a number of black people killed by local police. The Oregonian identified the 2003 shooting of Kendra James as an inflection point that galvanized the Black community and inspired a movement to fundamentally reimagine law enforcement. The Oregonian reported that
4686-451: The trial of Derek Chauvin in March. State and local officials also made plans to deploy thousands of police officers and National Guard soldiers. In early March, in the days preceding Chauvin's trial, local organizers staged peaceful protests with thousands of people marching in the streets. The situation at George Floyd Square in Minneapolis grew tense when a person was fatally shot inside
4828-574: The "No Justice No Peace Rally & March". Portland Trail Blazers players Rodney Hood , Nassir Little , and Anfernee Simons all joined. In the evening, protesters pushed down fencing in front of the Multnomah County Justice Center and police used gas and stun grenades for crowd dispersal. On June 7 in Portland, outside the city's Justice Center, 48 people were jailed in protest. The protest and march originated at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Demonstrators gathered at Southeast Stark Street and 12th Avenue on June 9. There were approximately 500 people outside
4970-416: The 17th day, protesters assembled in various parts of the Portland area on June 13. The main march, with at least 1,000 people, went from Revolution Hall, the starting point for most of the marches, and went to Cleveland High School , including a stretch of Southeast Division St. from 11th to 26th. The Clinton Street Theater displayed a quote from Malcolm X on its marquee as protesters marched past. N1789M,
5112-507: The 2017 shooting of Justine Damond . In 2016, Tony Timpa was killed by Dallas police officers in the same way as George Floyd. In August 2019, Elijah McClain died after Aurora police ordered paramedics to administer ketamine under dubious circumstances. In March 2020, the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor by police executing a search warrant at her Kentucky apartment was also widely publicized. After Eric Garner and George Floyd repeatedly said " I can't breathe " during their arrests,
5254-497: The 20th century was the 1992 Los Angeles riots , which were in response to the acquittal of police officers responsible for excessive force against Rodney King , an African American man. The Black Lives Matter movement was originally started in 2013, after Trayvon Martin’s killer was found not guilty in court. In 2014, the shooting of Michael Brown by police in Ferguson, Missouri , resulted in local protests and unrest while
5396-733: The 39 people killed by Portland police between 2003 and 2020 were disproportionately Black. Among those killed since 2003 are Aaron Campbell, Quanice Hayes, and Patrick Kimmons. A number of different organizations led demonstrations, including Rose City Justice and the Albina Ministerial Alliance . The Facebook and Twitter accounts associated with the Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front (or PNW Youth Liberation Front) served as "information hubs" for sharing protest plans. The group did not have identifiable leaders and described itself as
5538-528: The Chauvin trial at several locations. In Houston, Texas, Floyd's family held an event on April 9, 2021. In Maryland, a group gathered to pray that for justice for Floyd and his family as the jury began deliberations in the Chauvin criminal trial on April 19, 2021. As a jury deliberated in Chauvin's criminal trial, a vigil for Floyd was held on April 19, 2021, in Melbourne, Florida. People in many cities in
5680-406: The Chauvin's guilty verdict spread on April 20, 2021, a crowd of one-thousand people marched in downtown Minneapolis and others gathered at 38th and Chicago Avenue to celebrate the outcome. Demonstrations in Minneapolis during Chauvin's criminal trial and verdict announcement were largely peaceful. Following Chauvin's verdict, many activists in Minneapolis did not perceive that "Justice for Floyd"
5822-592: The East 38th and Chicago Avenue street intersection in Minneapolis, the location of Floyd's arrest and murder, and other sites in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota . Protests quickly spread nationwide and to over 2,000 cities and towns in over 60 countries in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Polls in the summer of 2020 estimated that between 15 million and 26 million people had participated at some point in
George Floyd protests in Portland, Oregon - Misplaced Pages Continue
5964-500: The East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue intersection in Minneapolis where Floyd was killed. In many parts of the United States, protests over Floyd's murder gradually diminished over time. In Portland, Oregon, however, Floyd's murder resulted in a yearlong period of "near-continuous protests" over racial injustice and police violence, at times featuring clashes between demonstrators and authorities and resulting in property damage. In Boston , activists rallied on March 4, 2021, to demand
6106-794: The George Floyd Square's Justice Resolution 001 had been met, that all four police officers be held legally accountable for murdering George Floyd. By the forth anniversary of Floyd's murder in 2024, the streetway remained a continued place of protest. Protests outside the Minneapolis area were first reported on May 27 in Memphis and Los Angeles . By May 28, protests had sprung up in several major U.S. cities with demonstrations increasing each day. By June, protests had been held in all U.S. states. At least 200 cities had imposed curfews , and at least 27 states and Washington, D.C., activated over 62,000 National Guard personnel in response to
6248-707: The Justice Center, actions that were condemned by the PPB and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office . Police twice declared a riot on the national holiday, first at 4 am and again after 11 pm. Protests continued on July 5 for the 39th consecutive day. Seven people faced federal charges for their activities at the Justice Center demonstrations over the July 4 weekend. On July 9, about 50 people marched in Lents Park and about 100 gathered downtown by
6390-506: The Justice Center. In the same neighborhood, a young Black woman, 18-year-old Shai-India Harris, was fatally shot, and the police did not immediately identify any suspects. A 19-year-old man who was in a relationship with Harris was charged in September with second-degree murder in her killing. A man from Texas was arrested for striking a Portland police officer three times with a hammer on July 10. On July 11, protester Donavan La Bella
6532-464: The Minneapolis–Saint Paul events alone the second-most destructive period of local unrest in United States history, after the 1992 Los Angeles riots . About 60% of the local financial losses were uninsured. In Minneapolis, protesters barricaded the street intersection at East 38th Street and Chicago Avenue where Floyd was murdered and transformed it into a makeshift memorial site, which
6674-794: The Multnomah County Justice Center by 9 p.m. On June 10, an afternoon rally to disband the Portland Police was held in Terry Schrunk Plaza. In the evening a ride leaving Irving Park was organized by Portland's chapter of Black Girls Do Bike . Several thousand people marched from Southeast Stark Street and 12th Avenue to Unthank Park . Protesters failed to create an autonomous zone similar to Seattle 's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone . Approximately 1,000 people demonstrated on June 11 after an already-planned city budget meeting led to historic levels of public comment, with one city commissioner, Chloe Eudaly , voting "no," stating that
6816-423: The Multnomah County Justice Center once again. There were other small protests throughout the city, including one in north Portland's Columbia Park and another at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The Oregonian reported an overall crowd size of approximately 8,000. Thousands demonstrated on June 4. The protests were peaceful until late at night, and twelve arrests were made. Damian Lillard helped lead thousands across
6958-487: The Nonviolent Action Lab and Crowd Counting Consortium estimated that by the end of June, 96.3% of 7,305 demonstrations involved no injuries and no property damage. However, arson, vandalism, and looting that occurred between May 26 and June 8 caused approximately $ 1–2 billion in insured damages nationally, the highest recorded damage from civil disorder in U.S. history, and surpassing the record set during
7100-613: The November 2020 election . Terrance Floyd, George's brother, and other family members rallied voters in support of the candidacy of Joe Biden , and they made an appearance with the Biden family at a campaign event in Tallahassee, Florida . Terrence Floyd also rallied voters in New York City on the November 3, 2020, Election Day. By December, the protest movement was still "deeply rooted" at George Floyd Square, an occupied protest of
7242-494: The PPB's North Precinct, taunting officers and vandalizing patrol vehicles; police also said that protesters broke into the Portland Police Association building and set it on fire. A police statement stated that officers extinguished the fire and declared the situation to be a riot, making seven arrests and deploying tear gas but not CS gas . Protesters made barricades out of fencing they removed from around
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#17327832440547384-532: The PPB. Multiple demonstrations took place in the city on July 4 including an "Anti-Independence Day" rally that began at Portland State University 's Native American Student & Community Center, expressing indigenous support for Black Americans, followed by the "Bars Up Guns Down" motorcycle ride from Revolution Hall to the Justice Center and back in support of Black Lives Matter. That night, several hundred people gathered at Chapman Square and let off illegal aerial fireworks, some of which were aimed directly at
7526-687: The Portland NAACP chapter, E. D. Mondainé , also spoke. More than 1,000 people gathered at Peninsula Park, where ministers and Black Panthers spoke against police brutality . From the crowd, hundreds marched to downtown Portland via Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and the Burnside Bridge . Along the way, some people started breaking windows, tagging buildings with graffiti, looting, and setting vehicles and buildings on fire. A riot ensued, prompting Mayor Ted Wheeler to declare
7668-472: The Portland Police Association (PPA) police union headquarters on North Lombard Street . The nighttime protest became increasingly rowdy as protesters barricaded the street with chain link fences and, according to police, "pushed dumpsters into the street to block traffic, set a dumpster on fire, vandalized the PPA office with spray paint, and destroyed security cameras". At 11:35 p.m., a small group broke into
7810-649: The Texas’ George Floyd Act—reform legislation introduced to ban chokeholds and require officers to intervene to stop excessive use of force—that had stalled in the state legislature. On May 6, 2021, Black mothers led a march in Washington, D.C., to encourage passage federal police reform legislation named after Floyd. On May 19, 2021, in Nevada , protesters jammed phone lines to the state legislature after police reform legislation introduced as result of
7952-504: The U.S. Marshals Service, the Federal Protective Service , U.S. Customs and Border Protection , and Homeland Security Investigations . DHS sent officers in tactical gear from "more than a half-dozen" federal agencies and departments from around the country. Portland Deputy Police Chief Chris Davis said his department had not requested federal assistance and that federal officers' presence would "complicate things" for
8094-474: The U.S., particularly against African Americans , have long led the civil rights movement and other activists to protest against a lack of police accountability in incidents they see as involving excessive force. Many protests during the civil rights movement were in response to the perception of police brutality, including the 1965 Watts riots which resulted in the deaths of 34 people, mostly African Americans. The largest post-civil rights movement protest in
8236-543: The United States in support of federal police reform legislation. At a rally in New York City outside Brooklyn Borough Hall on May 23, 2021, Terrance Floyd, George's brother, called on the crowd to continue advocating for police reform and for communities to “stay woke ”. Civil rights activist Al Sharpton said, "convicting Chauvin is not enough", and encouraged congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, as well as continued activism ahead of
8378-501: The United States on May 26, 2020. The protests and civil unrest began in Minneapolis as reactions to the murder of George Floyd , a 46-year-old unarmed African American man, by city police during an arrest. They spread nationally and internationally. Veteran officer Derek Chauvin was recorded as kneeling on Floyd's neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds; Floyd complained of not being able to breathe, but three other officers looked on and prevented passersby from intervening. Chauvin and
8520-444: The United States reacted to Chauvin's murder conviction on April 20, 2021, with largely peaceful demonstrations. Some jurisdictions had proactively mobilized National Guard troops and declared states of emergency in preparation for possible violence, and some businesses had boarded up to prevent potential looting. Many activists perceived the guilty verdict as just one step in the process to obtain justice over Floyd's murder. At nearly
8662-613: The United States staged protest events on October 14, 2020. Rallies and vigils were held in Minneapolis, Brooklyn, and Los Angeles, among other places. In Portland, Oregon, where Black Lives Matter protests had been held daily since Floyd's murder, demonstrators staged a sit-in . For some Black Americans, particularly a group interviewed in George Floyd's hometown in Houston, Texas, the protests over Floyd's murder transformed to greater political activity and increased voter turnout in
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#17327832440548804-861: The United States walking off their jobs for approximately 8 minutes, in honor of Floyd. The theme for the March on Washington held in Washington, D.C., on August 28, 2020, was, "Commitment March: Get Your Knee Off Our Necks", a reference to Floyd's arrest by Chauvin. Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, which the Saturday marked 100 nights of protests since Floyd's murder, marches and rallies where held in many cities. In Miami, Florida , protesters on September 7, 2020, commemorated Floyd's murder and pressured local authorities to enact changes to policing policies, such as banning chokeholds during arrests. To mark what would have been Floyd's 47th birthday, groups across
8946-406: The United States, and what they're doing is not constitutional anymore." As seen on video, David was standing still when one agent hit him forcefully five times with a baton; another agent sprayed David's face with what David said was pepper spray. As a result of the incident, David's hand was broken in two places. He required reconstructive surgery with pins and plates on his shattered ring finger and
9088-474: The active, ongoing protest and memorial site there. People gathered at multiple locations in Minneapolis for the announcement of Chauvin's sentencing on June 25, 2021, when he received a 22.5-year prison term. Family and civil rights activists expressed disappointment and said it should have been for the 30-year maximum, and they advocated for passage of the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act legislation. Several demonstrations were held in Minneapolis
9230-546: The anniversary of George Floyd's murder including rioting but situations were finally said to have calmed down in the early hours of May 26, 2021. In New York City, protesters marched and then knelt for 9 minutes and 29 seconds while blocking traffic. A rally in Portland, Oregon, was peaceful in the afternoon, but at night, 150 demonstrators set fire to a dumpster outside the Multnomah County Justice Center and damaged other property. Police declared
9372-410: The area of Floyd's head and neck. A Facebook Live livestream recorded by a bystander showed Officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck. Floyd repeatedly tells Chauvin "Please" and "I can't breathe", while a bystander is heard telling the police officer, "You got him down. Let him breathe." After some time, a bystander points out that Floyd was bleeding from his nose while another bystander tells
9514-409: The building, prompting federal agents to respond with pepper balls, tear gas, and flash bangs on more than one occasion. According to DHS and Associated Press , power tools such as an angle grinder were also used to damage property, particularly the fence. Inside the courthouse, agents had most lights turned off reportedly to protect from people in the crowd who were firing metal ball bearings through
9656-504: The city of Portland where people gather together." On August 6, Mayor Ted Wheeler denounced demonstrators clashing with police, saying, "You are not demonstrating, you are attempting to commit murder," along with predicting there would be "more attacks on public buildings". That night, police deployed smoke grenades and used mass force to disperse a crowd of about 200 protesters near the precinct station after declaring an unlawful assembly. The Pacific Northwest Youth Liberation Front advertised
9798-479: The city, accusing them of causing violence and using "life-threatening tactics" and saying "we do not need or want their help". The following day, four of Oregon's U.S. lawmakers issued a statement condemning the recent actions of federal law enforcement officials in Portland, who used tear gas and other aggressive techniques multiple times since July 10. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley , and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici and Earl Blumenauer , accused
9940-520: The conviction of all four officers present at the scene of Floyd's murder and for local authorities to investigate past cases where police officers used excessive force. Two days later, thousands marched in Boston to call for justice for Floyd as part of a coordinated, 17-state set of rallies. In Salt Lake City , activists protested Floyd's murder by staging a car caravan on March 6, 2021. Prayer vigils seeking justice for Floyd were held in conjunction with
10082-547: The country. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on May 28, at one point blocking the entrance to the Multnomah County Justice Center . There were two demonstrations held on May 29. A "Eulogy for Black America" was organized by the Portland chapter of NAACP at Terry Schrunk Plaza in downtown Portland , and a vigil was organized by the PNW Youth Liberation Front at Peninsula Park , in the Piedmont neighborhood of north Portland . Crowd estimates for
10224-466: The courtroom for the trial. Protest demonstrations were held in the streets surrounding the courtroom building during the trial. On February 24, 2022, Kueng, Lane, and Thao were convicted on all federal civil rights charges they faced at trial. A small group of protesters gathered outside the court building in Saint Paul and at the location in Minneapolis where Floyd was murdered while the verdict
10366-403: The criminal trials of Lane, Kueng, and Thao and the federal civil rights trial of all four officers. By May 25, 2021, the anniversary of Floyd's murder, the United States had experienced a yearlong movement to address racial injustice in policing. Several street protests were held in many locations in the United States to mark the anniversary. There was mass disturbance on May 25, 2021, to mark
10508-567: The crowd dwindled to around 100 at 2:00 a.m. before largely dispersing by 2:30 a.m. The Bible burning video went viral and sparked condemnation online, including from the president's son, Donald Trump Jr. Despite a brief reprieve following the pullback of federal agents in late July-early August, tensions between protesters and police–including Portland police, local sheriff's deputies, and Oregon State Police troopers–continued to manifest, though demonstration sizes were noticeably smaller. On August 5, violent clashes occurred in
10650-400: The crowd so the fire could be extinguished before it could grow out of control," said Portland police. At 1:19 a.m., Portland Police declared a riot at Kenton Park , declared the park closed, and urged the crowd to leave. The majority of the crowd left by 2:00 a.m., though police said arrests were made, including Demetria Hester , leader of Moms United for Black Lives. On August 16,
10792-516: The curfew took effect at 8 p.m., police dispersed the crowd outside the Multnomah County Justice Center using tear gas. Separately, an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people gathered at Laurelhurst Park in southeast Portland , and others assembled outside a former police precinct at the intersection of East Burnside Street and 47th Avenue. Police did not intervene as the group marched from the Multnomah County Justice Center to Pioneer Courthouse Square and back. The Pearl District Neighborhood Association
10934-436: The day after George Floyd's murder and when a video of the incident had circulated widely in the media. By midday, people had gathered by the thousands and set up a makeshift memorial. Organizers of the rally emphasized keeping the protest peaceful. Protesters and Floyd's family demanded that all four officers at the scene of his arrest and killing be charged with murder and that judicial consequences be swift. That evening,
11076-555: The demonstration at Terry Schrunk Plaza ranged from a "hundred or so" to "hundreds" of people; the event included several speakers including Portland City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty . She was reportedly "visibly overcome by emotion" and said, "This is the reality of being black in America. Over and over and over again, black people have been killed, and there has been silence from the majority community. ... Black people are tired. Black people are exhausted by racism." The president of
11218-673: The demonstrations in the United States, making the protests the largest in U.S. history . While the majority of protests were peaceful, demonstrations in some cities escalated into riots, looting , and street skirmishes with police and counter-protesters. Some police responded to protests with instances of violence , including against reporters. At least 200 cities in the U.S. had imposed curfews by early June 2020, while more than 30 states and Washington, D.C. activated over 96,000 National Guard , State Guard , 82nd Airborne , and 3rd Infantry Regiment service members. The deployment, when combined with preexisting deployments related to
11360-498: The downtown as tear gas choked the air. According to authorities, six federal officers were injured during the overnight protest, with one suffering a concussion and another taken to the hospital for burns. One person was arrested for failing to comply with orders but was later released with no charges, bringing the total number of people arrested on or near the courthouse since early July to 60. In several cases, people who had been arrested had their release from jail conditioned on signing
11502-422: The episode with the kick to the head occurring near the end of the video. Love turned himself in on August 21 and was charged with three felonies. George Floyd protests In Minneapolis–Saint Paul : May 26, 2020 – May 2, 2023 (2 years, 11 months and 1 week) The George Floyd protests were a series of protests and demonstrations against police brutality that began in Minneapolis in
11644-525: The evening of June 25. Civil rights activists and protesters noted the forthcoming civil rights case against the four police officers at the scene of Floyd's murder, and the criminal case against former officers Kueng, Lane, and Thao scheduled for March 2022. Though the City of Minneapolis began the process of reopening the street intersection at George Floyd Square to vehicular traffic in June 2021, organizers of
11786-600: The evening; most protesters marched across the Burnside Bridge, but police used stun grenades and tear gas on a smaller, separate group of people who were throwing projectiles. Police arrested several people, and 16 were detained. Elsewhere in the metropolitan area , there were demonstrations in Cedar Mill and at Tualatin 's Lake at the Commons. The first few days of June were identified, as of July 8, as having
11928-502: The fall election". Protests continued over the weekend of June 19 in many cities, and observations of Juneteenth gained a new awareness. Jon Batiste , bandleader for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert , took part in a Juneteenth day of protests, marches, rallies and vigils to "celebrate, show solidarity, and fight for equal rights and treatment of Black people" in Brooklyn . Batiste also appeared in concert with Matt Whitaker in
12070-513: The federal courthouse's perimeter fence in the evening, with the crowd peaking at around 4,000 according to authorities. Many protesters danced and chanted "Black Lives Matter" and "Feds go home" to the sound of drums. At 10:15 p.m., a man tried to climb the fence and was quickly arrested. As the night went on, protesters shook the fence surrounding the courthouse and individuals in the crowd pointed green lasers at federal agents and threw flares, fireworks, glass bottles, and other solid objects at
12212-421: The federal courthouse. Conflict resumed on the night of July 19. Hundreds of protesters, including what Portland police described as "dozens of people with shields, helmets, gas masks, umbrellas, bats, and hockey sticks ," repeatedly advanced on the U.S. courthouse. At about 1:30 a.m. the following morning, protesters set a fire in the portico. Federal agents emerged from inside and deployed tear gas to repel
12354-612: The federal government of a "politically driven" response and of seeking "to target, attack, or silence those peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights". As of 15 July 2020, federal officers had arrested at least 19 people. Portland police closed the Plaza Blocks , a hub for protesters at the Justice Center, at 5:00 a.m. on July 16. Starting the early morning of July 15, "rapid deployment teams" of federal agents from multiple agencies arrested protesters and forcefully took them in unmarked vans. Protesters accused
12496-466: The fifth day of protests, hundreds gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square then staged another die-in on the Burnside Bridge. A second demonstration was organized at Revolution Hall . By the evening, thousands had gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square. One group returned to the Burnside Bridge, while hundreds remained in the square. Around 8 p.m., the two groups merged and numbered approximately 10,000. The demonstrations were mostly peaceful until later in
12638-483: The gathering a riot and made five arrests. Most demonstrations—which included street marches, prayer services, and festivals—in the United States were peaceful. At many rallies, protesters expressed disappointment with the lack of change to policing policies and budgets, and some said they would continue protesting and advocating for their desired goals. Floyd's murder came as the global Black Lives Matter movement had been slowly building for years, but outrage over what
12780-671: The global protest movement begun by Floyd's murder did not advance. By late May 2021, Floyd's murder, and the video of it, had given way to a yearlong, nationwide movement featuring the largest mass protests in United States history. To commemorate the one-year anniversary of his murder in a several-day event titled "One Year, What's Changed", the George Floyd Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by Floyd's family, planned marches and rallies in Minneapolis, New York, and Houston for May 23, 2021, and called for two days of virtual activism everywhere in
12922-439: The group of mothers. Around 1:45 a.m. on the 19th, when another group of unidentified armed federal agents advanced on a group of protesters, a woman wearing only a face mask and a stocking cap, later dubbed "Naked Athena" by reporters, confronted them. Despite the deployment of pepper balls and tear gas, she posed for the agents for about 15 minutes before they withdrew. Photographs of her action went viral. On July 20, during
13064-405: The intersection of Southeast Stark Street and 13th Avenue. More than 1,000 protesters staged a die-in on the Burnside Bridge , then continued to downtown's Pioneer Courthouse Square. Following two hours of speeches, chants, and music, demonstrators returned to the city's east side via the same bridge. Portland Police allowed use of the bridge, and the evening's events remained mostly peaceful. On
13206-613: The largest crowds of the Portland George Floyd protests, exceeding 10,000 people. Portland Police Bureau (PPB) declared a riot at one of the protests in early June. Arson, looting, and vandalism, and injuries to two officers were reported since the demonstrations began on May 28. Approximately 100 people had been arrested As of June 2, 2020. Several thousand people demonstrated on June 3, gathering at Tom McCall Waterfront Park , where Rev. Mondainé and others spoke. Later, groups splintered, with many gathering outside
13348-531: The largest in United States history. As of July 3, protests were ongoing. On July 4, the Independence Day holiday in the United States, several protests were held, including in several cities where protests had been going on since the day after Floyd's murder. On July 20, the Strike for Black Lives , a mass walkout intended to raise awareness of systemic racism, featured thousands of workers across
13490-472: The man was in a nearby car. Officers approached the car and ordered George Floyd , a 46-year-old African American man, who according to police "appeared to be under the influence", to exit the vehicle, at which point he "physically resisted". According to the MPD, officers "were able to get the suspect into handcuffs, and noted he appeared to be suffering medical distress. Officers called for an ambulance." Once Floyd
13632-446: The mayor, governor, members of Congress, and independent commentators. These arrests were reported in media as having rejuvenated the protests in Portland, resulting crowds numbering in the hundreds for the first time in several weeks, alongside drawing criticism from Wheeler, who was also the police commissioner who had been widely considered in favor of use of force by local police. On July 18, according to police, protesters gathered at
13774-569: The morning of August 7. Portland police tweeted "Any persons including members of the press who violate this order will be subject to arrest". Mayor Wheeler deplored violent protesters as political "props" for President Donald Trump's 2020 re-election campaign, saying that by partaking in violence, they were reinforcing Trump's messaging that "sick and dangerous anarchists " were fomenting chaos in Portland. On August 8, peaceful demonstrations were held in Northeast and Southeast Portland , including
13916-467: The night of July 31–the 64th night of protests–were largely peaceful and no arrests were made. However, video emerged apparently showing a group of Portland protesters using an American flag and a Bible to kindle a bonfire outside the federal courthouse shortly after midnight; according to KOIN 6 , the fire was subsequently put out by members of Moms United for Black Lives Matter. Protesters started another bonfire using plywood shortly after, but
14058-434: The night of May 28, garnered significant national and international media attention. After state officials mobilized Minnesota National Guard troops in its largest deployment since World War II , the violent unrest subsided and mostly peaceful protests resumed. However, the violence by early June 2020 had resulted in two deaths, 604 arrests, an estimated $ 550 million in property damage to 1,500 locations, making
14200-568: The ninth week of daily protests, the "Wall of Moms" sang "Hands Up Please Don't Shoot Me" in a lullaby fashion while in Chapman Square . A "Wall of Dads" joined in and used leaf blowers to clear away tear gas and a "Wall of Vets" also joined in the demonstration for the first time. President Trump denounced the Wall of Moms as a "scam", tweeting: "The 'protesters' are actually anarchists who hate our Country. The line of innocent "mothers" were
14342-661: The officers of being unidentified, but Customs and Border Protection later countered accusations by stating that officers were wearing CBP insignias. A story focusing on the search, detention, questioning, and brief incarceration of Mark Pettibone, a 29 year old protester, was first reported by Oregon Public Broadcasting and picked up the next day by national outlets, including a New York Times story authored by independent Portland journalist Sergio Olmos. Several witnesses reported seeing federal law enforcement officers in camouflage "emerge from unmarked vehicles, grab protesters without explanation, and drive off." Pettibone stated that he
14484-511: The offices and lit a fire. Police declared an unlawful assembly at 11:38 p.m. before declaring a riot minutes later, in which protesters, media and legal observers were ordered to disperse. According to police, the crowd began shining green lasers and throwing bottles and paint balloons, injuring three officers, before police bypassed the barricade and began making arrests and pushing the crowd of about 300 people back, including using smoke munitions and flash bangs, but no tear gas. "Officers moved
14626-516: The official post-mortem declared Floyd's death a homicide . Video footage of Officer Derek Chauvin applying 8 minutes 15 seconds of sustained pressure to Floyd's neck generated global attention and raised questions about the use of force by law enforcement. On June 25, 2021, Chauvin was sentenced to 22 years and 6 months in prison with the possibility of supervised release after serving two-thirds of his sentence or 15 years for second-degree murder. Organized protests began in Minneapolis on May 26,
14768-412: The one-year anniversary of Floyd's murder in May 2021. Officials in Minnesota and elsewhere proactively mobilized counter-protest measures for Chauvin's trial, but it did not result in unrest like what happened immediately after Floyd's murder. Local officials in Minneapolis–Saint Paul prepared counter-protest measures in early 2022 for the start of the federal trial for the other three police officers at
14910-407: The other three officers involved were later arrested. In April 2021, Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder , third-degree murder , and second-degree manslaughter . In June 2021, Chauvin was sentenced to 22 + 1 ⁄ 2 years in prison. The George Floyd protest movement began hours after his murder as bystander video and word of mouth began to spread. Protests first emerged at
15052-444: The other three officers were fired. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter ; the former charge was later changed to second-degree murder . On June 1, a private autopsy commissioned by the family of Floyd found the death to be a homicide and that Floyd had died due to asphyxiation from sustained pressure, which conflicted with the original autopsy report done earlier that week. Shortly after,
15194-464: The outcome of the Derek Chauvin trial. On April 20, 2021, Derek Chauvin was found guilty of murdering George Floyd. By then, Floyd's murder had resulted in one of the largest civil rights protest movements in recent decades, and the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region had experienced a prolonged series of protests and intermittent unrest over issues of police brutality and racial injustice. As news of
15336-419: The park honoring Rosa Parks , as the park lies along Rosa Parks Way. Peninsula Park became the city's first public rose garden in 1909 when it was purchased for $ 60,000 with funds raised in a 1908 bond measure. Designed by Emanuel L. Mische, the two-acre garden contains 5,700 roses featuring 75 varieties. The official rose of Portland, named Mme. Caroline Testout , was cultivated at Peninsula Park. In 1913,
15478-628: The phrase became a protest slogan against police brutality. The murder of George Floyd sparked mass protests and calls for police reform in the face of ongoing police violence against African-Americans. Large companies such as Nike and Walmart aimed to express their support for the movement through branding themselves as antiracist. Despite some politicians expressing backlash for the Black Lives Matter protests, politicians such as Republican Senator Mitt Romney participated. The movement sought to express their understanding of police brutality as
15620-534: The police that Floyd is "not even resisting arrest right now", to which the police tell the bystanders that Floyd was "talking, he's fine". A bystander replies saying Floyd "ain't fine". A bystander then protests that the police were preventing Floyd from breathing, urging them to "get him off the ground ... You could have put him in the car by now. He's not resisting arrest or nothing." Floyd then goes silent and motionless. Chauvin does not remove his knee until an ambulance arrives. Emergency medical services put Floyd on
15762-557: The possibility of a military response. On June 10, thousands of academics, universities, scientific institutions, professional bodies and publishing houses around the world shut down to give researchers time to reflect and act upon anti-Black racism in academia. Organizations involved with #ShutDownSTEM day included Nature Research , Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the American Physical Society . On June 14, an estimated 15,000 people gathered outside
15904-497: The practice on the grounds of protecting the officers' personal safety. Several lawsuits were filed by and on behalf of journalists and legal observers against local and federal law enforcement, and by the state against several federal agencies. Protests continued in Portland in the aftermath of the 2020 United States presidential election , as well as after the January 20, 2021 inauguration of Joe Biden. Protests also occurred near
16046-441: The proposed cuts to the police bureau fell short of what demonstrators were calling for. A unanimous vote was required to pass the budget. "While my colleague can take a principled 'no' stance on passing this budget, I as a Black woman cannot," Commissioner Hardesty responded in a statement. "I do not want to let this detract from the very real steps taken, but it is an important reminder on what performative allyship looks like." For
16188-405: The protest movement rooted there still considered their presence an "occupation" and "resistance". The square hosted a celebration of life for Floyd on October 14, 2021. By December 23, 2021, the occupied protest had persisted at George Floyd Square for 19 consecutive months. Activists in Minneapolis had vowed to continue protesting until the outcome of the criminal case of all involved officers at
16330-484: The protest rally turned into a march to the Minneapolis Police Department 's third precinct station where the officers were believed to work. After the main protest group disbanded on the night of May 26, a much smaller group, numbering in the hundreds, spray-painted the building, threw rocks and bottles, broke a window at the station, and vandalized a squad car. A skirmish soon broke out between
16472-590: The protester-held "autonomous zone" during an altercation on March 6, 2021. In March and April 2021, groups of protesters gathered at George Floyd Square and outside Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis during Chauvin's trial, but the streets of Minneapolis were largely empty of mass demonstrations like those in late May and early June 2020. In April 2021, 3,000 National Guard troops and law enforcement officers were called from neighboring states in preparation for potential unrest over
16614-463: The protesters. The Portland Police Department stated that although federal officers used tear gas, the city's officers were not involved in crowd control measures and did not fire tear gas. At night on July 18, Navy veteran Chris David, wearing his Naval Academy gear, approached some of the federal agents to tell them "That oath of office is essentially swearing loyalty to the Constitution of
16756-408: The protests in Portland were peaceful, but many demonstrations involved rioting, heated confrontations with law enforcement and counter-protesters, and use of tear gas and other weapons. There were numerous instances of arson, looting, vandalism, and injuries during nighttime protests. One person was shot and killed in the aftermath of a clash between protesters and counter-protesters. In early July,
16898-590: The protests, tactical officers from the U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's elite BORTAC unit were sent to Portland to protect federal property. Starting on or about July 14, however, federal agents in unmarked vehicles began arresting protesters who were not near federal property. Rose City Justice led a march of 200–250 people from Revolution Hall to Pioneer Courthouse Square on July 14, after having previously suspended its activities. On July 14, Mayor Wheeler called on Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf to remove federal agents from
17040-599: The protests, three different police reform plans, plans from the Republicans, the Democrats, and the White House, were unveiled aiming to curb police brutality and the use of violence by law enforcement. On June 25, NPR reported that the hopes for passage were doubtful because they were "short-circuited by a lack of bipartisan consensus on an ultimate plan [and] the issue is likely stalled, potentially until after
17182-568: The protests. Police declared that they had arrested 16 people by 11 p.m. At least 51 demonstrators were arrested during the night, bringing the total number of arrests to date to 64. On the afternoon of May 31, a crowd assembled at the intersection of Southwest 3rd Avenue and Main Street in downtown. At one point, in a show of solidarity with Black Lives Matter, some police officers took a knee alongside protesters. By nightfall there were approximately 6,000 demonstrators and protestors. Shortly after
17324-407: The rallies on August 5 and 6 with the slogan: "No cops. No prisons. Total abolition." Media images showed an elderly woman with a fire extinguisher trying to prevent protesters from starting a fire at the station, but was blocked by a black-clad protester. Officers arrested 12 adults and detained one minor. Police reportedly did not use tear gas this night. Roads near the precinct were closed later in
17466-471: The scene of Floyd's murder. Relatively small protests took place during the trial and after the verdict announcement. On May 25, 2021, the one-year anniversary of Floyd's murder, a number of protests took place; most of these were short-lived, with calm being restored on the early hours of May 26, 2021. While the nationwide protests ended, the occupation of George Floyd Square in Minneapolis–Saint Paul persisted into 2024, however as of 2022 vehicular traffic
17608-456: The scene of Floyd's murder. The criminal trial was scheduled to begin on June 13, 2022. In early 2022, local officials prepared counter-protest measures and for potential unrest ahead of the January 20 schedule start of the federal civil rights trial of Kueng, Lane, and Thao. Officials erected security fencing around the Warren E. Burger Federal Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that contained
17750-591: The scene six minutes after getting the call. Medics were unable to detect a pulse, and Floyd was pronounced dead at the hospital. A May 26 autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office found that there were "no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation"; the preliminary findings stated that underlying health conditions, the police restraint, and potential intoxicants likely contributed to Floyd's death. On May 26, Chauvin and
17892-495: The streets at Northwest Glisan and 10th Avenue with impromptu. Just after 5:30 a.m. police cleared the scene; a police spokesman said there were only about 50 protesters left by that time. Wheeler helped in cleaning up the debris. June 23 was the sentencing date for Jeremy Christian , who was convicted of murder and attempted murder for an attack in 2017. Three men, all of them white, attempted to stop Christian's attack on two black girls; Christian killed two of them and injured
18034-615: The third. In commemoration of that event, hundreds gathered at Powell Park on SE 26th and Powell for a demonstration and march focusing on white allies . They marched to Reed College , which one of the men killed had attended. County officials removed a fence that had stood around the Justice Center for several weeks on June 26. Officers from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were deployed following President Trump's executive order that sought to protect statues. Willamette Week reported that several federal law enforcement agencies were deployed to Portland on July 2, including
18176-523: The unrest. In Seattle , starting in early June, protesters occupied an area of several city blocks after the police vacated it, declaring it the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone , where according to protesters "the police are forbidden, food is free and documentaries are screened at night". On June 11, President Trump challenged mayor Jenny Durkan and governor Jay Inslee to "take back your city", and implying, according to Durkan,
18318-435: The vandals and protesters trying to stop them. At around 8 p.m., police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators, some of whom had thrown water bottles at police officers. Protests were held at several locations throughout the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area in subsequent days. The situation escalated the nights of May 27 to 29 where widespread arson, rioting, and looting took place, which were noted as
18460-524: The weekend of June 6 and 7, surfers around the world held a "Paddle Out", which is a Hawaiian mourning tradition. The tribute was held for George Floyd and all the lives lost to police violence. Thousands observed the tradition in Honolulu, Hawaii , La Jolla , Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica, California , Galveston , Hackensack, New Jersey , Rockaway Beach, New York , Biarritz , France, Senegal and Australia. Peninsula Park Peninsula Park
18602-525: The windows with sling shots. That same night, U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman denied a restraining order by the state attorney general to restrict the actions of federal police. At around 2:30 a.m. on the morning of July 25, the Federal Protective Service declared the protest an unlawful assembly and began dispersing the crowd down Third Street with tear gas, pepper balls, and mass force. People scattered and small groups roamed
18744-437: The world and occurred during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic and amid the 2020 U.S. presidential election season. Protests continued through 2020 and into 2021, most notably in Minneapolis at the 38th and Chicago Avenue street intersection where Floyd was murdered that activists have referred to as George Floyd Square . Several demonstrations coincided with the criminal trial of Chauvin in March and April 2021 and
18886-552: Was "advised of potential protest activity" in the Pearl District and the Northwest District . Around 11:30 p.m., saying projectiles were thrown at officers, police declared "a civil disturbance and unlawful assembly" and ordered protesters to leave. On June 1, three demonstrations were organized in Portland. One was held at the intersection of Northeast Sandy and 57th. Others were planned in downtown and at
19028-580: Was "basically tossed" into an unmarked van and transported to a holding cell in the federal courthouse and later released without being charged. Similar incidents involving plainclothes officers of unknown agencies, occurred the following day. The failure of law enforcement officers to identify what agency they reported to was a tactic that drew comparisons to actions prior to the Donald Trump photo op at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C. several weeks prior. The actions by federal agents were condemned by
19170-529: Was adorned with public art installments and described as like a " shrine ". Thousands of visitors protested and grieved at the site. When Minneapolis city officials attempted to negotiate the re-opening of the intersection in August 2020, protesters demanded that before removing cement barricades the city meet a list of 24 demands, which included holding the trial for the four officers present during Floyd's murder. On September 11, 2020, hundreds rallied outside
19312-536: Was captured in a bystander's video and Floyd's dying words, "I can't breathe", resulted in solidarity protests in more than 50 countries and led to what was described as a "social awakening" on issues of racial injustice and brought renewed attention on past police brutality cases. Protests in Canada, Europe, Oceania, Asia, and Africa rallied against what they perceived as racial discrimination and police brutality, with some protests aimed at United States embassies. Over
19454-399: Was final as J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane and Tou Thao still awaited trial, and issues of systemic racism and police reform had not been addressed satisfactorily. George Floyd Square occupation protest organizers, who had transformed the street intersection where Floyd was murdered into an "autonomous zone" adorned with public art, said they would continue to protest. Activists changed
19596-471: Was finally allowed to pass through it. On May 2, 2023, Tou Thao was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter—the last federal or state court case related to Floyd's murder. The conviction fulfilled a key demand of protesters that all four police officers be held legally accountable for murdering George Floyd. The protest at George Floyd Square continued into 2024. Cases of police misconduct and fatal use of force by law enforcement officers in
19738-423: Was handcuffed, officers Kueng and Lane attempted to help Floyd to their squad car, but at 8:14 p.m., Floyd stiffened up and fell to the ground. MPD Officers Derek Chauvin and Tou Thao then arrived and made more failed attempts to get Floyd into the squad car. Floyd, who was still handcuffed, went to the ground face down. Officer Kueng held Floyd's back and Lane held his legs. Chauvin placed his left knee in
19880-406: Was read. George Floyd Square in Minneapolis continued to be a place of protest for over two years after Floyd's murder, with the movement there persisting into 2023. On May 2, 2023, Tou Thao was found guilty of aiding and abetting manslaughter, which marked the conclusion of all state and federal court cases for the four Minneapolis police officers. Thao's conviction signaled that a key demand of
20022-483: Was shot in the head with a " less lethal " round by federal police, suffering facial and skull fractures and having to undergo facial reconstruction surgery. On July 14, a group marched from Kenton Park to the Portland Police Association building on Lombard street, where the crowd grew to more than 200 people. After demonstrators faced off with police officers, the police declared a riot. During
20164-420: Was teargassed along with protesters when federal agents deployed the munition into the crowd. Some protesters, noting the city's use of tear gas in response to protests earlier in summer 2020, reportedly "mocked" the mayor following his exposure. On July 24, federal prosecutors unveiled charges against 18 protesters, five of whom were charged with suspicion of assaulting a federal officer, trespassing and creating
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