George Floyd protests in Virginia explained

George Floyd protests in Virginia
Partof:George Floyd protests
Date:May 28 – August 16, 2020[1] [2]
Place:Virginia, United States
Causes:
Fatalities:1
Injuries:150
Arrests:500–600

This is a list of George Floyd protests in Virginia. Following the murder of George Floyd by a police officer, protests spread from Minneapolis to other parts of the United States, including Virginia. Protests broke out in Richmond on the night of May 28 and spread to over 50 other cities over the following days.

List of protests in Virginia

Central Virginia

On June 4, locals participated in a prayer vigil calling for peaceful unity and healing of racial tensions.[5]

On June 3, demonstrators gathered at the Ashland Town Hall and then marched to the police station.[6]

On June 6, about 100 protesters gathered at Washington Street Baptist Church and marched to the Bedford County Courthouse.[7]

On June 7, local pastors organized a prayer rally in front of the Caroline County Courthouse.[8]

About 15 people demonstrated with signs on University Avenue on May 29.[9] On Saturday, a large crowd of nearly a thousand flooded the streets near the police station, briefly blocking an intersection during a #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd event.[10] [11] [12]

On June 2, about 125 protesters marched from Saint Paul's College to Courthouse Square.[16]

About 100 people gathered for a Black Lives Matter protest outside the Lynchburg Community Market on May 30.[17] On June 1, two Lynchburg officers were hospitalized after being assaulted by a crowd of rioters that evening.[18]

See main article: George Floyd protests in Richmond, Virginia.

Shenandoah Valley

On June 5, protesters gathered in downtown Covington.[19]

On June 5, approximately 1,200 protesters gathered at Bing Crosby Stadium. The organizers claimed that it was the largest protest to ever happen in Front Royal.[20]

On May 29, over 300 people gathered to protest in Court Square. The protesters broke out into chants, and at one point knelt like Colin Kaepernick's police brutality protests.[21] There was a rally in Court Square Friday, May 28, with a follow-up rally scheduled for Friday June 5 at 5:30 with a prayer and rally at 6:00. There was a silent march on Monday June 1 at 6:00 that drew over 1,000 protesters calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism. The March began at Liberty Park and proceeded down Liberty St. before turning onto Main St. and returning to Liberty Park without incident other than a woman attempting to drive through the protesters as they crossed an intersection. She was stopped. No one was injured, and the march proceeded without even slowing down.

On June 3, a protest in downtown Lexington drew hundreds of participants.[22]

On June 4, hundred of protesters marched along Madison Road from the Orange Village Shopping Center to the Courthouse on Main Street.[23]

On May 30, about 150 protesters marched to the Augusta County Courthouse where a "Justice for George Floyd" rally was held. Speakers included the granddaughter of a KKK member.[24]

On June 3, about 150 protesters gathered outside of the Thomas Gorsuch Municipal Building.[25]

On May 31, peaceful protests were being held in Winchester that marched through the streets, ending in a scene at Picadilly Circle. Protesters were chanting "I Can't Breathe" while marching through the streets, and finally with "Black Lives Matter" while at the end point of Picadilly. Police were seen directing traffic around and away from the protestors in an attempt to keep the public safe.[26]

Southwest Virginia

Northern Virginia

In the wake of the protests, the city removed the Appomattox statue on June 2, one of the last remaining statues in the city honoring soldiers who fought for the Confederate States. The statue had originally been planned to be removed in July 2020, but the statue's owners, the United Daughters of the Confederacy, opted to remove it sooner.[44] The same day, a vigil for George Floyd was held.[45]

Given the county's proximity to Washington, D.C., most of the protests focused on George Floyd were in Washington, D.C. The Arlington County Police Department had been assisting the D.C. Metro Police, the U.S. Capitol Police, the Secret Service, the U.S. Park Police, and Metro Transit Police with the protests in Washington, but were pulled by the state following the Trump bible controversy.[46] On June 4, hundreds of protesters gathered in Court House and marched to Clarendon.[47]

Protesters held a rally at the intersection of Burke Centre Parkway and Roberts Road on June 5.[48]

In June, the city government raised a banner reading "Welcome to Clifton where Black Lives Matter" over Main Street. The banner prompted outrage from some people in nearby towns, including Ginni Thomas, who is the wife of the only black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.[49]

A peaceful protest with between 700 and 800 participants took place on June 6.[50]

On June 5, about 75 protesters in Dumfries marched onto Interstate 95, briefly shutting it down. Nearly 50 arrests were made.[51]

On June 6, over 3,000 protestors in Fairfax gathered in the city's old town square in support of Black Lives Matter. It was organized by Fairfax High School students.[52]

On June 4, hundreds of protesters marched down Park Avenue in Falls Church.[53]

Several hundred protestors marched in Downtown Fredericksburg and near the Central Park Mall on May 30.[54]

On May 31, nearly 1,500 people attended protests in Downtown Leesburg; the protests were largely peaceful.[55] Leesburg Town Council member Ron Campbell, the only African-American on Town Council,[56] addressed the crowd.[57]

On May 30, several hundred protesters gathered around the area of Sudley Road and Sudley Manor Drive.[58] State and local police arrived and shortly thereafter declared the gathering an unlawful assembly. Up to two officers received minor injuries.[59] State Delegate Lee J. Carter, who represents part of the area in the Virginia's House of Delegates, attended the protest. Delegate Carter was hit with pepper spray and multiple flashbang grenades after identifying himself to the police.[60]

A rally was held in the parking lot of the Stafford Marketplace on May 31. Stafford School Board member Emily Young addressed the crowd.[61]

On June 6, thousands of protesters gathered at Algonkian Regional Park.[62]

On June 3, hundreds of protestors gathered on Chain Bridge Road in Vienna for two separate protests, one designated for people at-risk or who had concerns about coronavirus, and a second protest later in the day for those who were less concerned, but they were also encouraged to wear face masks and take proper precautions for the virus. The protests remained peaceful and the Vienna Chief of Police attended both rallies.[63]

Peaceful protests were carried out in Warrenton on May 30 and 31.[50]

Eastern Shore

On June 6, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the courthouse and marched to the library.[64]

On June 3, protesters gathered in Donald J. Leonard Park.[65]

On June 6, approximately 150 protesters gathered in a local park.[66]

Tidewater Region

On June 5, hundreds of protesters marched around City Park, where a moment of silence was held for eight minutes and forty-six seconds, and along Greenbrier Parkway to support Black Lives Matter.[67]

On May 29, a standoff between police and protesters on West Mercury Boulevard ended with four arrests.[68] Hundreds of protesters took over major roads and bridges in the area on May 31 for the third day of protests.[69] [70]

On June 2, more than 100 protesters marched from Granby Street to the Confederate monument on Main Street.[71]

On May 30, approximately 30 protesters gathered near East Bank Street and Second Street.[72]

On June 5, protesters gathered in front of the Poquoson Police Department.[73]

On June 1, more than 140 protesters gathered at a north Suffolk shopping center.[74]

On May 31, a protest in Virginia Beach started out peacefully, but ended in violence and vandalism as protesters smashed windows and looted shops on the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. At least 48 businesses sustained around $300,000 worth of damage. Police sprayed tear gas on protesters and made 19 arrests.[75] On June 1, a protest in Town Center was peaceful, with no injuries or property damage being reported, although 26 more arrests were made by police.[76] On June 2, a rally and prayer vigil organized by Virginia Beach Interdenominational Ministers Conference was held at Mount Trashmore Park.[77] On June 5, 75 protesters marched north on Interstate 95, stopping all traffic. Protesters resisted orders from police in the Express Lanes to move out of traffic due to being an unlawful assembly, but dispersed once officers started making arrests.[78]

On May 31, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Williamsburg-James City County courthouse.[79]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Kolenich . Eric . Unofficial historical markers on Monument Avenue are removed by city officials . Richmond Times-Dispatch . August 28, 2020 . August 11, 2020.
  2. Web site: Kolenich . Eric . Marcus-David Peters sign removed from the circle around Lee statue . Richmond Times-Dispatch . August 28, 2020 . 16 August 2020.
  3. Web site: US surgeon general says 'there is no easy prescription to heal our nation'. Robertson. Nicky. May 30, 2020. CNN. en. May 30, 2020.
  4. News: Goldberg . Michelle . Opinion – America Is a Tinderbox . The New York Times . May 30, 2020 . May 29, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200530044312/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/29/opinion/george-floyd-protests-minneapolis.html . May 30, 2020 . live .
  5. Web site: Prayer vigil for healing of race relations held in Appomattox. Conrad. Charles. Times Virginian. June 4, 2020. June 6, 2020.
  6. Web site: Ashland residents, police unite for peaceful march against injustice. Fox. Sierra. WRIC-TV. June 3, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  7. Web site: Bedford NAACP hosts peaceful march. Cayne. Lindsay. WDBJ. June 6, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  8. Web site: 'It's time to come together in unity and love': Pastors hold prayer gathering in Caroline. Haun. Dawn. The Free Lance–Star. June 7, 2020. June 8, 2020.
  9. Web site: Protesters in Charlottesville make their voices heard in honor of George Floyd. Davis. Moriah. nbc29.com. en-US. May 31, 2020.
  10. Web site: Protesters flood the streets of Charlottesville in honor of George Floyd. Wyant. Riley. nbc29.com. May 31, 2020 . en-US. May 31, 2020.
  11. Web site: VIDEO: George Floyd protest marchers briefly shut down Charlottesville intersection. kknott@dailyprogress.com (434) 978-7263. KATHERINE KNOTT. The Daily Progress. May 30, 2020 . en. May 31, 2020.
  12. Web site: Woods . Charlotte Rene . Louis . Billy Jean . In wake of George Floyd killing in Minnesota, Charlottesville protesters decry police brutality . Charlottesville Tomorrow . May 3, 2023 . May 30, 2020.
  13. Web site: Henrico prosecutor: Hanover man who drove into protest is admitted KKK leader . June 8, 2020 .
  14. News: Man Who Drove into Protesters Said He Was a K.K.K. Leader, Prosecutor…. The New York Times . June 8, 2020 . June 1, 2024. June 8, 2020. https://archive.today/20200608225832/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/08/us/virginia-kkk-leader-harry-rogers.html. bot: unknown . Fortin . Jacey .
  15. Web site: KKK member sentenced to 3 years and 8 months for driving through Henrico protest. Ali. Rockett. The Richmond Times-Dispatch. February 9, 2021. March 9, 2022.
  16. Web site: Rally protests police brutality, racism. Brunswick Times-Gazette. June 3, 2020. June 6, 2020.
  17. Web site: About 100 people gather in Downtown Lynchburg to protest George Floyd's death. May 30, 2020. WFXRtv.com. en-US. June 1, 2020.
  18. Web site: Officers injured, two people arrested during "destructive demonstrations" in Lynchburg. Eddie. Callahan. nbc12.com. June 2020 .
  19. Web site: Protest Held Friday Night in Downtown Covington. The Virginian Review. June 5, 2020. June 8, 2020. June 8, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200608163451/https://thevirginianreview.com/Content/Free-Articles/Free-Articles/Article/Protest-Held-Friday-Night-in-Downtown-Covington/71/1478/50360. dead.
  20. Web site: Hundreds gather in peaceful protests in Front Royal and Winchester. WZRV. June 6, 2020. June 7, 2020. June 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200607233433/https://theriver953.com/hundreds-gather-in-peaceful-protests-in-front-royal-and-winchester/. dead.
  21. News: IAN MUNRO Daily News-Record. Over 300 Gather In Harrisonburg's Court Square For Peaceful Protest Against Police Brutality, Racism. en. Daily News-Record. June 2, 2020.
  22. Web site: Rally Brings Hundreds Downtown. Mines. Harrison. The News-Gazette. June 4, 2020. June 6, 2020.
  23. Web site: Peaceful demonstration in Orange draws hundreds; law enforcement officers march in solidarity with protesters. Holladay. Hilary. Orange County Review. June 4, 2020. June 8, 2020.
  24. Web site: Notes from live coverage of the march in Staunton for George Floyd. Schwaner. Jeff. The News Leader. en. June 1, 2020.
  25. Web site: Community holds racial injustice rally outside Waynesboro municipal building. Hood. John. WHSV-TV. June 4, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  26. Web site: Protesters fill the streets of downtown Winchester | Winchester Star . June 2020 . winchesterstar.com . June 1, 2020.
  27. Web site: Abingdon Peace Vigil. Crigger. David. Bristol Herald Courier. June 6, 2020. June 6, 2020.
  28. Web site: Photos: Nearly 300 march in peaceful Blacksburg protest. Matt. Gentry. Roanoke Times. June 2, 2020 .
  29. Web site: Wade . Sarah . Candles, masks, mark Bristol vigil for George Floyd . Bristol Herald Courier . June 3, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  30. Web site: Arintok . Angelique . Peaceful protests for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movement take place all weekend . WCYB-TV . June 2, 2020 . May 31, 2020.
  31. Web site: Protesters march peacefully through Danville to honor George Floyd. Crews. Daniel. WSET-TV. June 1, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  32. Web site: Citizens unite for peaceful protest. Stockton. Shaina. Galax Gazette. June 4, 2020. June 6, 2020. June 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200606152435/https://www.galaxgazette.com/content/citizens-unite-peaceful-protest. dead.
  33. Web site: Haren. Jarvis. June 13, 2020. Protests for racial equality continue in Marion. June 18, 2020. WCYB.
  34. Web site: A 17-Year-Old Who Organized A BLM Protest Had A Burning Cross Placed In His Yard, Cops Said. June 18, 2020. BuzzFeed News. June 16, 2020 . en.
  35. Web site: Protesters and police on best behavior in Henry County. Wyatt. Bill. Martinsville Bulletin. June 1, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  36. Web site: Dozens peacefully rally in Norton, Virginia in response to George Floyd's death. Calcagno. Christy. WCYB-TV. June 1, 2020. June 6, 2020.
  37. Web site: Smith . Samantha . Dwyer . Shane . Hundreds protest death of George Floyd in downtown Roanoke . WSLS-TV . June 2, 2020 . May 31, 2020.
  38. Web site: Fabris . Casey . Demonstrators rally, march in Roanoke following George Floyd's death . The Roanoke Times . June 3, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  39. Web site: Protest draws crowd despite heat. Barker. Briana. The Franklin News-Post. June 5, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  40. News: Natanson. Hannah. July 27, 2020. When Black Lives Matter came to White, rural America. Washington Post.
  41. News: Tavernise. Sabrina. 2021-03-08. The Officers Danced at a Black Lives Matter Rally. Then They Stormed the Capitol.. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-03-21. 0362-4331.
  42. Web site: Marshall. Maggi. 2021-01-25. FBI releases new evidence against 2 Rocky Mount Police officers. 2021-03-21. WSET.
  43. Web site: Watch Now: Black lives matter rally held in Wytheville. Rothrock. Millie. Wytheville Enterprise. June 2, 2020. June 8, 2020.
  44. Web site: Khan . Saliqa . Alexandria takes down Confederate statue . WUSA-9 . June 2, 2020 . June 2, 2020.
  45. Web site: Leayman . Emily . Vigils For George Floyd Planned In Alexandria, Leaders React . Alexandria Patch . June 2, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  46. Web site: Zeleny . Jeff . Bundy . Austin . Virginia pulled its police out of DC after being put in 'compromising position' for Trump's photo op . CNN . June 2, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  47. Web site: Photos: Hundreds Take to the Streets for Anti-Racism Protest. ARLnow.com. June 4, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  48. Web site: Photos: Black Lives Matter Rally Draws Crowd In Burke. Leayman. Emily. Patch.com Burke. June 5, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  49. News: Sullivan . Patricia . July 10, 2020 . A small, mostly white Virginia town put up a 'Black Lives Matter' banner. Ginni Thomas denounced it. . The Washington Post . July 10, 2020 .
  50. Web site: Champion . Allison Brophy . Peaceful protest in Culpeper draws hundreds . Culpeper Star Exponent . June 7, 2020 . June 6, 2020.
  51. Web site: Protest briefly shuts I-95 in Virginia; nearly 50 arrested. Associated Press. June 6, 2020. June 8, 2020.
  52. Web site: Fairfax City: 'No Lives Matter Until Black Lives Matter'. Hobbs. Bonnie. Connection Newspapers. June 11, 2020. July 16, 2020.
  53. Web site: Hundreds Join Student-Led Black Lives Matter March in Falls Church. Douglas Moran. Catherine. Tysons Reporter. June 4, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  54. Web site: Scott Baron . James . Fredericksburg marchers join nationwide call for justice for George Floyd . The Free Lance-Star . June 2, 2020 . May 31, 2020.
  55. Web site: Greene . Renss . 'I Can't Breathe' Protest Packs Downtown Leesburg . LoudounNow . June 3, 2020 . May 31, 2020.
  56. Web site: Mayor & Council . Leesburgva.gov . June 3, 2020.
  57. Web site: Battiston . John . Big crowd turns out in Leesburg for peaceful demonstration, protest . Loudoun Times-Mirror . June 3, 2020 . June 2, 2020.
  58. Web site: UPDATED: State delegate apparently hit with pepper spray after confronting police during Manassas protest. Staff Reports. Prince William Times. May 30, 2020 . en. May 31, 2020.
  59. Web site: Objects thrown at vehicles, officers as protesters storm Sudley Road in Manassas. May 30, 2020. WJLA. May 31, 2020.
  60. Update: PWC Police lied to me about not having CS gas. I inhaled some, and they flashbanged me. carterforva . 1266926871335272458. May 30, 2020.
  61. Web site: Morones . Mike . PHOTOS: Fredericksburg area protests demand justice for George Floyd . The Free Lance-Star . June 2, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  62. Web site: Black Lives Matter Protests Draw Hundreds in Leesburg, Thousands in Sterling. Greene. Renss. Loudoun Now. June 7, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  63. Web site: Protesters, Police Chief Attend Racial Justice Rally In Vienna. Leayman. Emily. Patch. June 4, 2020. July 16, 2020.
  64. Web site: Eastern Shore Rallies Protest Death of George Floyd. Shockley. Jimmy. Shore Daily News. June 8, 2020. June 8, 2020.
  65. Web site: PHOTOS: Black Lives Matter protest held in Chincoteague. Delmarva Now. June 4, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  66. Web site: Protests spread to rural Eastern Shore. Daily Press. June 6, 2020. June 7, 2020.
  67. Web site: Chesapeake holds march and moment of silence in support of Black Live Matter movement. Allison. Bazzle. WVEC. June 5, 2020. July 26, 2020.
  68. Web site: 4 protesters arrested during standoff with police in riot gear overnight in Hampton. Jones. Jessica Nolte, Matt. dailypress.com. May 30, 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  69. Web site: LIVE BLOG: Hundreds protest in Hampton Roads following death of George Floyd, taking over major roads. May 31, 2020. WAVY.com. en-US. June 1, 2020.
  70. Web site: Demonstrators gather across Hampton Roads for 3rd day of protesting following George Floyd's death. Reyes. Josh. pilotonline.com. June 2020 . June 1, 2020.
  71. Web site: Protest march through Norfolk ends peacefully, with eye on young leadership. Rago. Gordon. The Virginian-Pilot. June 3, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  72. Web site: Petersburg Police Chief stands alongside protesters demanding justice. Thrasher. Tyler. WRIC-TV. May 30, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  73. Web site: Planned Protest Rallies. Poquoson, Virginia. June 5, 2020. June 7, 2020. June 7, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200607172841/https://www.ci.poquoson.va.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=317. dead.
  74. Web site: Peaceful protest for Floyd, justice. LaRoue. Jimmy. Suffolk News-Herald. June 1, 2020. June 5, 2020.
  75. Web site: Virginia Beach city leaders speak on chaotic Oceanfront protest. WVEC. June 1, 2020. March 28, 2021.
  76. Web site: Peaceful protest in Virginia Beach, but dozens of arrests made. WVEC. June 2, 2020. March 28, 2021.
  77. Web site: "Silent no longer," Virginia Beach ministers hold prayer vigil at Mount Trashmore in wake of George Floyd's death. June 3, 2020 . June 5, 2020.
  78. Web site: Va. state police break up protest stopping traffic on I-95. Matthew. Delaney. WTOP-FM. June 6, 2020. March 28, 2021.
  79. Web site: In photos: Williamsburg protest in front of the Williamsburg-James City County courthouse. WYDaily. May 31, 2020. June 5, 2020.

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