A group of protesters marched in downtown DC after gathering at Black Lives Matter Plaza on Sunday night, after two nights of clashes with police.
Police presence in the area increased at later hours, and the tension escalated after midnight with the police setting up a temporary barricade in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church and throwing flash bangs, following the conclusion of the march, according to WTOP.
At least one person was detained by the police.
Feel good moment. A server exits the restaurant where he works to offer protesters water. “Black Lives Matter,” he says. #dcprotest #dcprotests #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesMatterDC pic.twitter.com/oF3uCl4uma
— Elizabeth like the Queen (@LizzieLouFerris) August 31, 2020
On Sunday night into Monday morning, DC police arrested five people over their participation in riot-related acts, which marked the second night of protests in the city. It was also reported that five officers were injured.
The police said they used tear gas and sting balls to disperse the gathering.
Those arrested were allegedly involved in setting intentional fires and throwing glass and bricks at police officers.
The arrestees, three men and two women, were charged with assault on an officer, felony rioting, reckless driving and possession of unregistered ammunition.
“These individuals ignited fireworks, intentionally set fires, as well as threw projectiles — including glass, bricks and smoke grenades, at officers in the area. Additionally, lasers were used to visually impair officers,” said a spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Department.