LA Protests Over Death Of George Floyd Stretch Into 5th Day

Protesters hit the streets across Los Angeles and neighboring cities for a fifth day to express rage and mourning sparked by the killing of George Floyd, who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes as Floyd begged for mercy before becoming limp and unresponsive.

In the late afternoon, L.A. County implemented a 6 p.m. curfew for the entire county, which supersedes less stringent curfews set by individual cities and unincorporated areas. (The city of L.A. had previously set curfew within city limits for 8 p.m.)

In Santa Monica, demonstrators marched along the coastline and converged at 3rd Street Promenade. The city of Santa Monica called for a 4 p.m. curfew. Crowds there diminished after 4 p.m. but some people remained on the streets.

Around 5:15 p.m., some threw objects and yelled obscenities at police and firefighters as they worked to put out a fire.

Earlier in the afternoon, protesters marched peacefully while looters ransacked businesses in downtown Santa Monica.

Metro employee Karen Harrison stood on a sidewalk in Santa Monica holding a sign directing protesters to the nearest train station and reminding them of the 4 p.m. curfew. She said the protests she saw had been peaceful.

"The looting and everything had nothing to do with the purpose of why people had come out to express themselves," she said. "But there were some opportunists that had come in and decided to loot the businesses here."

Harrison, who is black and has three sons, said she can understand the frustration of protesters. She said she wasn't sure whether anything would change because of the demonstrations.

"But like I was telling my son, organize and make sure that everyone is registered to vote. And those judges that are not representing everyone, those are the ones you vote out."

Protesters also assembled again in downtown Los Angeles, marching up 5th Street toward Pershing Square.

Warning: This next tweet has language that some may find offensive.

Videos taken of protesters gathered at Pershing Square in the early afternoon show a police vehicle slamming into a protester, then backing up and speeding away as people ran after it.

LAPD responded to the videos circulating on social media later in the evening, saying they would investigate.

Stores were closed today in preparation for more unrest. Target said 19 of its stores in L.A. and Orange counties were closed Sunday after the company's Beverly Grove shopping center location was looted Saturday.

In Long Beach, around 50 protesters faced off with a row of about 30 police officers clad in riot gear on Pine Ave. between 3rd St. and Broadway. People were ordered to disperse and warned that police could use force.

Nearby, looters ransacked stores at the Pike Outlets outdoor mall.

KPCC/LAist reporter Adolfo Guzman-López was hit by a rubber bullet fired by a police officer while interviewing a protester on the street.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced at a 9 p.m. news conference that the city had requested help from the National Guard and that troops were on their way.

HOW WE'RE REPORTING ON THIS

Reporter Josie Huang has been contributing. Reporter Emily Guerin, LAist editor Elina Shatkin and photojournalist Chava Sanchezare covering protests in Santa Monica. Reporter Adolfo Guzman-Lopez is covering protests in Long Beach. Reporters Frank Stoltze and Robert Garrova are in downtown L.A. Producer Megan Erwin and senior producer Rebecca Nieto are making calls. This story is anchored by Brian Frank and Jessica Ogilvie and edited by Oscar Garza, Adriene Hill, Jill Replogle and Megan Garvey.

This is a developing story and will be updated frequently. It was originally published at 2:30 p.m. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For the latest information straight from local emergency officials and some of the major groups organizing the protests, check the following websites and social media accounts:

• LAPD Headquarters (Twitter)
• Los Angeles Sheriff's Dept. (Twitter)
• Black Lives Matter-LA (Twitter)

MORE ON LA PROTESTS

• How LA Is Reckoning With The George Floyd Protests
• 'The World Is Messed Up:' In Crenshaw Reflections On George Floyd's Death, The Pandemic, And Pain
• Mis Ángeles: George Floyd Should Be Home With His Family Right Now
• George Floyd's Death Is One Of Many Reasons Activists Are Pushing For A 'People's Budget' In LA
• At Least 1 Injured At DTLA Rally Protesting Police Killing Of George Floyd
• Protesters Gather Outside LAPD Headquarters For 2nd Day Of Demonstrations Over Death Of George Floyd

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