COLORADO SPRINGS — Protests continue in Colorado Springs demanding changes in the way police interact with the community. This is the third week of events in the city since the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minnesota.
Locally, organizers are bringing attention to shootings involving Colorado Springs Police in recent years, including the death of De'Von Bailey. READ MORE
Today there is a 'March for Solidarity' gathering at America the Beautiful Park. The group plans to march from the park to city hall to "show our city, state, and country that Colorado Springs comes together to protect their own and fight for justice," as one organizer explains.
Follow continuing coverage of America in Crisis, here.
6:00 p.m.
The 'March for Solidarity' continues in downtown Colorado Springs as protesters moved from city hall to the Old North End, and back to raise awareness of their cause.
Protesters still rallying outside city hall. They marched up to the old north end then made their way back here. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/M3xVV34c0O
— Spencer Humphrey (@SHumphreyTV) June 13, 2020
3:45 p.m.
Protesters are now in front of city hall. Members of the group moved orange barrels from a nearby construction project to block Nevada Ave in an effort to redirect traffic and allow protesters the freedom to move in the area. Traffic is backed up as a result. We advise you avoid the area if planning to travel in downtown.
People are moving barricades from a nearby construction site to block the road in front of City Hall. If you’re planning to travel west on Nevada anytime soon, you’ll probably want to find another route. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/HYOyUIeDbk
— Spencer Humphrey (@SHumphreyTV) June 13, 2020
3:00 p.m.
The march towards city hall got underway shortly after 3:00 p.m. as the group headed down Colorado Avenue blocking both lanes of traffic, with a car escort ahead and behind them for protection. Organizers are leading familiar chants, including "Who's streets? Our streets!"
Protestors currently blocking eastbound Colorado Ave. They’re chanting “Who’s streets? Our streets!”@KOAA pic.twitter.com/9j355pj81i
— Spencer Humphrey (@SHumphreyTV) June 13, 2020
2:15 p.m.
Organizers prepare to march towards city hall.
Protestors beginning to chant. They say they’ll rally here and begin marching to city hall around 3:30. @KOAA pic.twitter.com/ebe3VOABk9
— Spencer Humphrey (@SHumphreyTV) June 13, 2020
Concerned members of the community who want their voices to be heard no longer need to worry about a city curfew. Last weekend, Mayor John Suthers instituted a 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew over the weekend in the wake of protests that turned disruptive after dark. Police responded by deploying chemical irritants and making dozens of arrests.
The scene has not been repeated in more than a week as organizers conduct peaceful events, and even ended one night of events early out of concern there were agitators in the group who were new to the events.
