US: Protests continue in Washington, D.C. on June 6 /update 5

Event

Thousands of protesters have gathered Washington, D.C. on Saturday, June 6, for what is expected to be the capital's largest demonstration yet against police brutality. Local news outlets report that an estimated 100,000 - 200,000 protesters are expected to gather in Washington, D.C., on the ninth consecutive day of protests in the city. Demonstrators started gathering around 12:00 (local time) at iconic sites, including the Capitol building, the Lincoln Memorial, and Lafayette Square near the White House, for simultaneous marches and demonstrations. The protests have remained largely peaceful throughout the day.

There is a heightened security presence in the city, and roads are blocked due to crowds in the city center.

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.