ORLANDO, Fla. — Update: At least six people were arrested after a protest spurred by the murder of George Floyd in Minnesota moved onto the 408, closing lanes, Orlando police said.
Officers will maintain a presence throughout the city and monitor activity overnight, police said.
Read our earlier version here:
Protesters have gathered in downtown Orlando and throughout Orange County, including on major roadways and at the house owned by the former police officer who is charged in the murder of George Floyd.
Yep... avoid 408 near OBT. #WFTV https://t.co/M569E8XefX pic.twitter.com/WoVoj1lZjN
— Jeff Deal (@JDealWFTV) May 30, 2020
There are police everywhere and small groups of protesters everywhere. The biggest group is walking in the Parramore area, west of the Amway. Lots of streets blocked everywhere so expect to detour. pic.twitter.com/gBC2N8NNRU
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 31, 2020
The Florida Highway Patrol said protesters at some point made their way onto State Road 408. All eastbound and westbound lanes are blocked at Orange Blossom Trail.
Traffic began moving again on the 408 around 8:10 p.m., but the exit ramp to Orange Blossom Trail remained closed.
UPDATE: Traffic moving again on the 408, but exit ramp to OBT is still closed. Unsure how long that will last. pic.twitter.com/aQ8ZEMMPz4
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 31, 2020
BREAKING: FHP confirms Protesters have made it on to the 408. All lanes blocked east and west at OBT.
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
Orlando police and Florida state troopers used tear gas on the 408 to force dozens of protesters off the expressway.
“At one point, while on the 408, all of the participants were east and westbound traffic,” Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon said in a statement that was posted on twitter. “Officers issued an order for the crowd to disperse. Unfortunately, some opted to throw rocks and bottles at officers.”
That forced officers to deploy “a chemical agent," Rolon said.
A heavy downpour mixed with thunder and lightning caused the leave the area.
“What we do ask is that, if anyone is going to exercise their voice what we believe is a proper time to voice their opinion on matters thare are of importance to our nation, to do so peacefully,” Rolon said.
Protests were spurred throughout the nation around the nation after a video showed former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of Floyd before the unarmed black man died.
Chauvin has since been arrested and charged with third-degree murder.
Orlando police officers said they are managing traffic to keep demonstrators safe in downtown and along part of Interstate 4.
Don’t have access to our traffic cams so this is the best I can do to show what’s going on. We’re now stuck in standstill traffic on the ramp from I-4. No cars coming eastbound this way either. Do NOT come this way. Don’t know how long it will last. https://t.co/nScnS4epJ2 pic.twitter.com/mfh0JoQzgn
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
Okay so here’s what we can see. People are out of their cars and some cars are now attempting to reverse down the entrance ramp from I-4 WB. After a small group of protesters made it on to I-4 earlier, a mostly new group is on the 408 at OBT near downtown Orlando. pic.twitter.com/xpdoa5Is1I
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
NOW: I-4 ramps are blocked, bike cops are on the interstate and protesters are making their way through Parramore towards OBT. pic.twitter.com/0EfDrdsxUI
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
Some protesters gathered at the Pulse Memorial then eventually headed to Lake Eola for another demonstration.
Others marched all the way to City Hall, screaming Floyd’s name and chanting “No justice, no peace!”
The groups merged at the courthouse before half went home and half went to police headquarters to air their frustration at a large group of police.
“'ll say this: If everything was done decent and in order, we wouldn’t have none of these riots, you know we wouldn’t have none of these, we wouldn’t have none of this,” one protester said.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer tweeted his thoughts on the local demonstrations.
What happened to George Floyd was horrific and unacceptable. In our city, we will always support the right for residents to safely protest to show their anger and frustration over injustices like this. Together we should use our voices to peacefully enact change.
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) May 31, 2020
Protesters are on the move, headed up the street to the Orange County courthouse, where they say systemic change needs to happen from prosecutors to convictions and sentencing. pic.twitter.com/XnJ8uJcbb5
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
Pulse protestors march to the courthouse!! Police Chief is also on the scene! You will see ALL of today’s peaceful protests on Eyewitness News at 6! #WFTV pic.twitter.com/mbMbYtMd87
— Karen Parks (@KParksWFTV) May 30, 2020
RIGHT NOW: Officers doling out restraints as two separate Orlando protests merge at the courthouse for a continued protest. pic.twitter.com/kFe38gSn8B
— Deanna Allbrittin (@deannaTVnews) May 30, 2020
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