US: Police arrest New York City protesters defying curfew June 4 /update 4

Event

New York City police have started making arrests in Manhattan after protesters stayed out past curfew time, which went into effect at 20:00 (local time) on Thursday night, June 4. Protests have remained mostly peaceful throughout the day in New York City; however, as a group of protesters remained past curfew time in Manhattan's Midtown district, police officers reportedly began making arrests without issuing previous announcements or warnings. Reports also indicate that protesters in Brooklyn have continued demonstrating past curfew, but there have not been any confirmed reports of arrests in this area as of 23:00 on Thursday.

Further protests and associated unrest are likely in the New York area 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.

Advice

Individuals in the greater New York City area and across metropolitan areas in the US are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.