Demonstrators protesting the death of a black man that died while in police custody in Minneapolis shut down O street Saturday as chants of ” I can’t breath,” and, “No justice no peace,” rang in the air.
As best as we can tell, a march protesting the death of 46-year-old George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, consisting of at least a hundred protesters, began in Lincoln around 7:30 pm Saturday and made its way down O St., effectively blocking off all traffic along with its route.
While the demonstration has been peaceful, Lincoln Police have maintained a steady presence over proceedings.
Protesters are now northbound on 48th from O street. Please avoid the area. #LNK
— Lincoln Police (@Lincoln_Police) May 31, 2020
There was at least one tense moment during the march where protesters surrounded a Lincoln Police cruiser, but after a while, the cruiser was allowed to pass.
Demonstrators marched east along O Street until reaching the area around 44th and O Street at approximately 9:30 pm, at which point most of the protestors turned around and continued the March westbound on O St.
While the demonstrations have remained peaceful, at least two fire hydrants were released, including one outside of KLIN’s studios at 44th and O St.
Traffic along O St. remained blocked throughout as the protestors returned to the downtown area around 10:20 pm, with most protesters convening at the Capitol building.
Once there, protestors began firing off fireworks as chants continued intermittently. An American flag was also burned.
Traffic,please, continue to avoid O street as protesters are in the street. #LNK
— Lincoln Police (@Lincoln_Police) May 31, 2020
As refreshments were being handed out at the Capitol building, another group of protestors joined the initial group.
Eventually, the protesters began marching again, eventually making their way to the count city building, where there were met by authorities in riot gear.
Protestors are asked to clear the area around the County-City Building after demonstrators throw bottles, glass at authorities Saturday
Several water bottles were thrown at the building, prompting other protestors within the demonstration to demand the throwing stop.
Eventually, authorities dispersed the crowd using tear gas.
Heading toward downtown. https://t.co/tlpSUZcvZU
— Jack Mitchell (@JackMitchellLNK) May 31, 2020
The march Saturday comes after an initially peaceful protest Friday morning turned in chaos when demonstrators vandalized several buildings along their path.
View press conference with Chief Jeff Bliemeister, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, and members of the Lincoln City Council regarding the protests in #LNK early this morning.https://t.co/ah7XSxi5Dg pic.twitter.com/VzTdtsX0Rn
— Lincoln Police (@Lincoln_Police) May 30, 2020
This is an ongoing story. More updates will be made when available. KLIN News is following the protest live on our Facebook page