05 Jun 2020 | 05:26 AM UTC
US: Protests continue in Washington, D.C. on June 4 /update 4
Protesters continue to gather with no curfew in place in Washington, D.C. on June 4; further demonstrations possible in the near term
Event
As most recent protests have been largely peaceful, the recent curfew has been lifted in Washington, D.C., and protesters gathered for the seventh consecutive night on Thursday, June 4. Most remaining demonstrators are in downtown Washington as of 23:00 (local time) on Thursday. Demonstrators started gathering around 12:00 and protests remained largely peaceful throughout the day. Authorities are preparing for even larger demonstrations as further protests are scheduled on Saturday, June 6; however, local officials have said they expect these to once again remain mostly peaceful.
Further protests and unrest are likely in the area in the near term, and clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.
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 Washington, D.C. 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.
