For a second day, protesters have gathered in downtown Los Angeles in response to the death of a man who was being detained by Minneapolis police.
Demonstrators gathered outside the police headquarters this evening. A video posted by Fox LA's Bill Melugin showed them apparently knocking over a barricade as officers came out of the building.
BREAKING: Protesters just knocked over the barricades in front of LAPD HQ. Officers now responding to the area. @FOXLA pic.twitter.com/ntCzIJfS6K
— Bill Melugin (@BillFOXLA) May 29, 2020
Activists across the nation have turned out to demand justice for George Floyd after the release of a disturbing video of his arrest on Monday. The video shows a Minneapolis officer pinning Floyd to the pavement by placing his knee on the Floyd's neck. For more than five minutes, the officer applies pressure, as Floyd can be heard saying that he couldn't breathe. That officer and three others at the scene have been fired.
In a video posted to YouTube tonight, LAPD Chief Michel Moore tried to strike a conciliatory note, saying he hears the frustrations of protesters. He called the images of the Minneapolis confrontation and the subsequent civil unrest a "sobering reminder of the fragile relationships we have with our communities we serve."
He went on to say:
"I join you in your concerns about reports of excessive force and officers who go beyond the confines of their training or the law. When we do not live up to our core values, we chip away at the trust we've worked so hard to build. We dishonor the badge, as well as the sacrifice of those who gave their life in the service of this city. Street demonstrations are and should be occurring across this country and in this city to bring voices to the injustices."
Moore said the LAPD will work to facilitate the right of protesters "to exercise free speech and express that outrage."
MORE ON THE GEORGE FLOYD PROTESTS:
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