US: Demonstrations continue in Washington, D.C. June 1 /update 1

Event

Mayor Muriel Bowser has imposed an overnight curfew in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 1, and Tuesday, June 2, in response to unrest over the police-related death of George Floyd. The curfew will be in effect from Monday 19:00 to 06:00 (local time) on Tuesday, June 2, with similar restrictions beginning again on Tuesday night and continuing into Wednesday morning, June 3. The National Guard has been fully activated to assist the police with enforcing the curfew, and US Customs and Border Protection personnel have also been deployed to the city. Several large demonstrations have been reported throughout the city as of 18:30, including at Lafayette Square near the White House.

Further protests and unrest are likely in the area in the near term, and clashes between police 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.