DENVER (KDVR) — For a third day, protesters are gathering in downtown Denver calling for justice in the case of George Floyd.
George Floyd, a black man, died in police custody Monday, after a now former Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on Floyd’s neck for over eight minutes. Floyd repeatedly said that he could not breathe. Chauvin would later be charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Protests erupted across the nation, including in Denver, in response to Floyd’s death.
Denver saw their first protests on Thursday. Large crowds moved through the city, with some causing damage along the way. Police spent hours working to break up the protests.
The protests continued Friday afternoon. For the majority of the afternoon, the protests were peaceful. The Denver Police Department even took to social media to thank those for voicing their opinions in a safe and peaceful way.
As protests progressed into Friday evening, they once again turned violent for a second night.
Denver police warned business owners that looting was expected to be much worse Saturday night.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announced that a curfew would be put in place for Saturday and Sunday nights.
Rioters seemed to grow violent much earlier than they had the other two days, Matt Mauro noted during our newscasts on Saturday.
At least one officer was injured during riots on Saturday.
Below is a timeline of events that occurred on Saturday, May 30.:
Saturday, May 30
11:10 p.m.
A Denver police officer was injured at Colfax and Logan when a vehicle crashed into the vehicle that the officer was riding on the exterior of and left the scene.
The condition of the officer is unknown.
11 p.m.
For the most part, things have died down in Denver. There are still some stragglers throughout the Capitol Hill neighborhood.
10:30 p.m.
Rioters have moved into the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The area near the Capitol building has now cleared, however, graffiti still covers many buildings, and trash covers surrounding streets.
10:15 p.m.
Rioters continue to throw rocks and firecrackers at police near 13th and Pearl.
10:08 a.m.
Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen says there have been at least 18 arrests, two of which were felonies, on Saturday night.
9:56 p.m.
DPD arrests a man who is illegally carrying a firearm.
9:30 p.m.
At least three separate fires erupt near 12th and Washington. This is the view from SkyFox:
9:19 p.m.
Fireworks, rocks and other items are thrown at law enforcement near 13th and Grant. A dumpster fire erupts in the same area.
9 p.m.
Mayor Hancock joined FOX31 and says he made the decision to put a curfew into place due to fear that severe injuries or even death could arise from the riots in Denver.
8:38 p.m.
Fire at 13th and Grant alleyway, firefighters able to put it out quickly.
8 p.m.
The curfew is now in effect until 5 a.m. in Denver.
7:20 p.m.
Rioters begin throwing fireworks and water bottles at police, teargas and flash bangs deployed.
6:58 p.m.
6:50 p.m.
DPD says a protester was transported to the hospital after being his by an unknown projectile.
6:30 p.m.
Clashes between police and protesters begin again. Tear gas is deployed outside of the Capitol.
5:55 p.m.
RTD continues to extend the suspension of bus and rail service in and out of downtown.
5:46 p.m.
Protesters take over the RTD station in downtown Denver.
5:15 p.m.
Senate President Leroy Garcia released the following statement regarding ongoing demonstrations at the Colorado State Capitol:
“As the only member of color on leadership in the General Assembly, I understand and empathize with the pain and horror so many are feeling. I stand with those peacefully protesting for change. The system is still broken, but I believe that we can fight back through protests as well as through policy. We must be aware of agitators and instigators who use legitimate protests to ignite chaos between protestors and police. Those seeking only to destruct and destroy should not be associated with those asking for change. With the recent announcement by the governor to deploy the National Guard, I must emphasize that their first priority should be the health and safety of those who choose to demonstrate. We cannot allow the militarization of our great state.”
5:11 p.m.
Protests remain mostly peaceful.
4:52 p.m.
The Colorado Capitol and restaurants/businesses prepare in case Denver sees another night of violent riots.
4:50 p.m.
Douglas County sheriff’s vehicles arrive at the Denver detention center.
4:15 p.m.
Police release tear gas near DPD District 6.
4 p.m.
Protesters and police begin to clash again, specifically at Denver Police Department, District 6, at Colfax Avenue and Washington Street.
2:30 p.m.
Denver police say their were 19 arrests on Friday night in connection to the riots in downtown Denver.
2:00 p.m.
Public Safety alert was sent out to residents:
1:15 p.m.
Mayor Hancock requests the support of the Colorado National Guard. Gov. Polis approves the request and the Colorado National Guard will support the city and county of Denver through the weekend.
1 p.m.
Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock announces a curfew at 8 p.m. effective for Saturday and Sunday. The curfew will be lifted at 5 a.m. Monday morning.
12:17 p.m.
12 p.m.
Protests begin at the Capitol.
9:00 a.m.
Mayor Hancock and Denver Police Chief Pazen are scheduled to meet this morning at 9:30 a.m. to discuss the protests.
