US: Police use tear gas on protesters to enforce curfew orders June 2 /update 1

Event

Police have reportedly used tear gas on demonstrators in Atlanta who were still on the streets when the 21:00 (local time) curfew order came into force on Tuesday, June 2. Peaceful protests have been reported throughout the day on Tuesday. Most protesters left downtown Atlanta shortly after police dispersed crowds near Centennial Olympic Park; some who remained were reportedly arrested. Police forces have arrested more than 350 people since protests began in the city on Friday evening, May 29.

Further protests and associated unrest are possible in the coming hours and days.

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 Atlanta 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.