US: Protests planned in several cities nationwide April 16-18 to condemn recent officer-involved shootings

Event

Activists plan to demonstrate in several cities across the US April 16-18 to condemn recent officer-involved shootings in which civilians were killed. Organizers have confirmed plans for a number of protests, including the following:

• Chicago, Illinois: Rally at Logan Square Park starting at 17:30 April 16; protests likely in other parts of the city April 17-18, including along Michigan Avenue, at Union Park, at Federal Plaza, and near government offices

• Dallas, Texas: Rally outside the Dallas City Hall starting at 14:00 April 17

• Denver, Colorado: Rally outside the Colorado State Capitol starting at14:00 April 17

• Detroit, Michigan: Rally at Clark Park beginning at16:00 April 17

• Houston, Texas: Rally outside the Houston Police Department Headquarters at 14:00 April 18

• Manchester, New Hampshire: Rally at Derryfield Park at 19:00 April 17

• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Rally at 3759 Chicago Avenue beginning at 14:00 April 17

• New Haven, Connecticut: Rally at New Haven City Hall at 15:00 April 18

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Rally at Philadelphia City Hall at 15:00 April 17

• Salt Lake City, Utah: Rally at Washington Square Park at 12:00 April 17

Related protests are also likely in cities elsewhere across the country, especially in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Portland, OR, and Washington, DC.

Most protests will probably be attended by hundreds of demonstrators; however, some may draw thousands of participants, especially in Chicago. Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as some acts of violence, arson, and looting, are possible, especially at nighttime.

Context

The protests follow the April 11 killing of Daunte Wright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and the March 29 release of body-camera footage of the killing of Adam Toledo in Chicago, Illinois. Both individuals were shot during encounters with police. Protests have occurred in the cities where the incidents happened, including some protests which ended in violence around Brooklyn Center.

The demonstrations come against the backdrop of the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Chauvin was charged with murder in the death of George Floyd in May 2020, an incident that led to major demonstrations in hundreds of cities in the US and around the world. The trial is expected to conclude in the coming days.

Advice

Strictly heed instructions from local authorities. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to cross protester roadblocks; allow authorities to clear roads before proceeding.