Denmark: Tens of thousands gather in Copenhagen for BLM protest on June 7

Event

Around 15,000 people reportedly gathered outside of the US embassy in Copenhagen on Sunday, June 7, in support of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Protesters gathered at 14:00 (local time) outside of the embassy, after which they marched through central Copenhagen; the demonstration passed peacefully. The protest was the second to take place in Copenhagen over the past week, with other significant BLM protests taking place in Odense and Aarhus.

Associated protests are likely to take place in the near term.

Context

George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired, and one has since been charged with murder. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the death and actions of the police officers. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; with demonstrators throwing bricks and projectiles at police and police property, and police responding with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to disperse the crowds. Protests have since spread to a number of cities across the US, with solidarity protests taking place throughout the world.

Advice

Individuals in Copenhagen are advised to monitor developments regarding future protests, avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.