US: Protesters gather in South Los Angeles on August 31 following fatal shooting

Event

Hundreds of demonstrators marched in South Los Angeles (LA) on Monday, August 31, following the fatal shooting of an African American by police. Protesters gathered at the scene of the shooting near West 109th Place and South Budlong Avenue, before marching to the South LA Sheriff's Station. Demonstrators reportedly remained at the station through until the early hours of Tuesday, September 1. There were some reports of vandalism during the march, but there were no clashes or arrests.

Further demonstrations are likely in the short term, along with a heightened security presence

Context

Protests began worldwide after George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired and detained, and one has since been charged with second-degree murder. Protests spread to several cities across the US, with solidarity protests taking place throughout the world.

Tensions have been reignited by an incident in Kenosha (Wisconsin) on August 23, 2020, where Jacob Blake, an African American, was reportedly shot several times in the back by police officers while they were responding to an alleged domestic incident. Blake survived but was reportedly paralyzed from the waist down.

Advice

Those in LA are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.