WASHINGTON: Hundreds of demonstrators gathered at Lafayette Park across from the White House to protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after being pinned down by a police officer, Anadolu Agency reported.
Protestors chanted, “No Justice, No Peace” and “I can’t breathe” during demonstrations that drew people from all walks of life to the nation’s capital.
A group of protestors surrounded a police vehicle and others beached the first security barricade at the park.
Demonstrators attempted to breach a second barrier and hurled water bottles at police but were pushed back by officers who used batons.
Earlier in the day, protestors damaged three police vehicles.
Floyd, 46, was arrested Monday in Minneapolis, Minnesota after reportedly attempting to use a counterfeit $20 bill at a local store.
Video footage on Facebook showed him handcuffed and cooperating.
But police claimed he resisted arrest. An officer had kneeled on his neck despite Floyd’s repeated pleas of “I can’t breathe.”
Shortly after, Floyd appeared to lose consciousness, now former officer Derek Chauvin maintained his position on the victim.
He died shortly after being taken to a hospital.
Mayor Jacob Frey fired Chauvin and three other officers who were at the scene when Floyd was arrested.
The county’s top prosecutor charged Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday. – Bernama
