US: Clashes erupt in multiple cities across central US

Event

Clashes between police and protestors were reported in multiple cities across the central US between Sunday, May 31, and Monday, June 1, as demonstrations over the death in police custody of George Floyd continued for a sixth consecutive night. Demonstrations were held in:

• Alabama: Protest reported in Birmingham and Hoover. Although some arrests were reported, the protests remained largely peaceful.
• Arkansas: At least three fires reported in Little Rock on Saturday. Sunday's protests were largely peaceful.
• Illinois: Protests reported in Aurora and Chicago. Reports of vandalism and looting. National Guard activated in Chicago.
• Iowa: Protest reported in Des Moines, Coralville, and Davenport, with two people reportedly killed and a police officer injured in the latter location. Curfew in effect in both locations.
• Kansas: Protests reported in Topeka but remained largely peaceful. Protests were also reported in Kansas City and an overnight curfew is in place.
• Kentucky: Protest reported in Louisville, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and police. One fatality reported. Curfew in place in Louisville between 21:00 and 06:30 (local time). Curfew in place in Newport, Kentucky between 21:00 and 04:00 (local time). National Guard activated.
• Louisiana: largely peaceful protests occurred. Michigan: Protest reported in Detroit and Lansing, and tear gas utilized. Vandalism and looting reported. Curfew in effect in Lansing. Detroit curfew in place from 20:00 to 05:00 (local time) and will go into effect again on Monday night.
• Minnesota: Large protests reported in St.Paul and Minneapolis, curfews in place, and reports of police utilizing tear gas, flashbangs, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds. Reports of vandalism and looting. A Truck driver drove through a crowd of protestors on Minneapolis bridge, though no serious injuries were reported amongst the protestors. The driver was hospitalized. National Guard activated.
• Missouri: Protest in Kansas City and curfew in place. Springfield, Columbia, and the St. Louis area also reported protest activity. State of emergency and National Guard activated.
• Nebraska: Protests reported in Lincoln despite curfew in place from 20:00 (local time) and the National Guard activated. Protests were largely peaceful, although police did deploy tear gas in some areas.
• Ohio: Protests and overnight curfews reported in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. National Guard activated.
• Oklahoma: Protests reported in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Largely peaceful. Texas: Protests reported in Dallas, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. State of disaster declared. Curfews in place for Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. National Guard activated for Texas. On Tuesday, June 2, George Floyd's family is due to meet at Discovery Green at 15:00 (local time) and will walk to City Hall accompanied by protestors.
• Tennessee: Protest reported in Nashville, and reports of tear gas and flashbangs utilized. Overnight curfew in place between 20:00 and 06:00 (local time).
• Wisconsin: Large protests reported in Milwaukee, with tear gas and rubber bullets utilized to disperse crowds. Peaceful demonstration in Madison. Curfews in place

Further protests are likely to take place over the coming days. 

Context

George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting 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.

Advice

Individuals across the US are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.