Protests continue for 10th day, city lets curfew expire

Editor's note: Social media videos featured in this article are from live events amid protesters using strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Protesters ended Sunday night's demonstrations on a peaceful note as people encouraged others to go home and prepare for Monday's protests. Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Colorado Springs peacefully, which they hope will prove to the city there is no need to extend the curfew.

The nationwide protests demanding justice for George Floyd and several others are simultaneously raising awareness about systemic racism in America, and calling on everyone to take action against it.

News5 will continue to follow the protest locally and provide the latest information here:

Monday, June 8

10:00 p.m. | Curfew lifted in Colorado Springs

Monday morning, Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers decided not to extend the five day curfew, crediting both the demonstrators and the Colorado Springs Police Department and their ability to peacefully coexist the past five days.

When News 5 spoke with some of the demonstrators on Monday, they were generally in agreement that it was a good decision, but regardless of how big the protests are from here on out, curfew or not, they will continue to push for change when it comes to social injustice, economic inequality, police brutality and racism.

4:15 p.m.|Trump, Biden not supportive of defunding the police

Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s campaign released a statement on Monday saying that the former vice president is not in favor of defunding police departments.

1:40 p.m.| Bond raised to $1M for Derek Chauvin, ex-officer charged in George Floyd's death

A judge has set $1 million bail for the former Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd’s death.

Derek Chauvin is also charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s May 25 death.

1:15 p.m.| CSPD comments on armed group at protests

The Colorado Springs Police Department denied Monday in a series of tweets that they asked a group of armed individuals to appear in recent protests.

12:30 p.m.| Mayor John Suthers gives update on curfew

11:15 a.m.| Rob Quirk goes "One-on-One" with protest leaders

A week of protests in Colorado Springs — in the wake of the horrific death of George Floyd in Minneapolis — was organized and carried out by at least two young African American leaders, Larry Black and Deja Alexander.

11:10 a.m.| Bond raised to $1M for Derek Chauvin, ex-officer charged in George Floyd's death

A judge has set $1 million bail for the former Minneapolis police officer charged with second-degree murder in George Floyd’s death.

9:35 a.m.| Colorado Springs mayor lets curfew order expire

The City of Colorado Springs is not issuing another curfew order due to the peaceful demonstrations shown by protesters over the last few days. Mayor John Suthers issued the order last Wednesday and cites peaceful protesting as the reason it is not being renewed.

“A tremendous amount of credit belongs to our citizens who have engaged in speech and assembly in Colorado Springs in the highest traditions of social action in America,“ Suthers said in a release. “They have been vocal and passionate about their worthy cause, but respectful of their fellow citizens and public and private property. My sincere gratitude to leaders of the protest who have steered those protesting police brutality away from other groups who do not share their message and their commitment to nonviolent methods."

Suthers warned if protests become violent then another curfew order could be in place. In a release, Suthers asked protesters to keep from blocking traffic as protests continue.

7:30 a.m.| Colorado Springs mayor to reevaluate curfew

A curfew put in place last week by the City of Colorado Springs is going to be reevaluated today by the mayor to see if another is needed. Peaceful protesters gathered in downtown Colorado Springs over the weekend and they hope it is enough to prove to Mayor John Suthers that a curfew isn't necessary.

Sunday, June 7

5:45 p.m. | Protesters lay face down for nearly nine minutes

Sunday afternoon, protesters all laid down on the grounds of City Hall with their hands behind their backs. The demonstration went on for almost nine minutes, in honor of George Floyd.

As the protesteers arose, they chanted "I can't breathe."

3 p.m. | Protesters gather again Sunday in Colorado Springs

Protesters have gathered again Sunday at Colorado Springs City Hall. This is the ninth straight day of protests in downtown Colorado Springs.

11 a.m. | Thousands march down Colfax in day 11 of Floyd demonstrations in Denver

Led by Denver Public School students, thousands marched along East Colfax Avenue in memory of George Floyd Sunday.

The demonstration started at the Greek Amphitheater in Civic Center Park and moved east along Colfax. The event was one of the largest protests yet.

Denver police were handing out water bottles to marchers in the student-led Black Lives Matter protest Sunday that drew thousands.

9 a.m. | CSPD says they want to make productive change with protesters

News5 sat down with the Colorado Springs Police Department to discuss ways they plan on building trust with the community.

Sgt. Jason Newton said there is still hard work to be done, and he hopes this dialogue does not stop when the protests do. He wants community members to be involved in the changes they would like to see made within the department.
"We'll try to understand. We know people are fearful, we know people are scared, we know people are outraged, and a lot of time that outrage and fear is directed at us because of what an officer did, and that's understandable, but please give us a chance... Even if you hate me, yell at me, despise me, I will still lay down my life for you, so you can live and your message can be heard... There's still going to be heartache, we can't change that, but we can move forward together," Newton said.