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George Floyd protests in Virginia

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George Floyd protests in Virginia
Part of George Floyd protests
A George Floyd demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, on May 30, 2020
DateMay 28 – August 16, 2020[1][2]
(2 months, 2 weeks and 5 days)
Location
Virginia, United States
Caused by
Casualties
Death(s)1
Injuries150
Arrested500–600
Map
Cities in Virginia in which a protest with about 100 or more participants was held (
)
Wikimedia Commons has media related to George Floyd protests in Virginia.

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

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Central Virginia

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Demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia on May 30
  • Appomattox: On June 4, locals participated in a prayer vigil calling for peaceful unity and healing of racial tensions.[5]
  • Ashland: On June 3, demonstrators gathered at the Ashland Town Hall and then marched to the police station.[6]
  • Bedford: On June 6, about 100 protesters gathered at Washington Street Baptist Church and marched to the Bedford County Courthouse.[7]
  • Bowling Green: On June 7, local pastors organized a prayer rally in front of the Caroline County Courthouse.[8]
  • Charlottesville: 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]
  • Lakeside: On June 7, Harry H. Rogers, a 36-year-old leader of the Ku Klux Klan, drove a truck into a group of protestors, injuring at least one.[13][14] Rogers was arrested, charged with "attempted malicious wounding, felony vandalism, and assault and battery", and was held without bond.[13] In 2021, he was sentenced to 44 months in prison.[15]
  • Lawrenceville: On June 2, about 125 protesters marched from Saint Paul's College to Courthouse Square.[16]
  • Lynchburg: 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]
  • Richmond:
    Main article: George Floyd protests in Richmond, Virginia

Shenandoah Valley

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  • Covington: On June 5, protesters gathered in downtown Covington.[19]
  • Front Royal: 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]
  • Harrisonburg: 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.[citation needed]
  • Lexington: On June 3, a protest in downtown Lexington drew hundreds of participants.[22]
  • Orange: On June 4, hundred of protesters marched along Madison Road from the Orange Village Shopping Center to the Courthouse on Main Street.[23]
  • Staunton: 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]
  • Waynesboro: On June 3, about 150 protesters gathered outside of the Thomas Gorsuch Municipal Building.[25]
A protest in Staunton, on May 30
  • Winchester: 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

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Northern Virginia

[edit]
A protest march in Manassas, on June 6
  • Manassas: 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.[58] 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.[58][60]
  • Stafford: 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]
  • Sterling: On June 6, thousands of protesters gathered at Algonkian Regional Park.[62]
  • Vienna: 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]
  • Warrenton: Peaceful protests were carried out in Warrenton on May 30 and 31.[50]

Eastern Shore

[edit]
  • Accomac: On June 6, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the courthouse and marched to the library.[64]
  • Chincoteague: On June 3, protesters gathered in Donald J. Leonard Park.[65]
  • Exmore: On June 6, approximately 150 protesters gathered in a local park.[66]

Tidewater Region

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  • Chesapeake: 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]
  • Hampton: 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]
  • Norfolk: On June 2, more than 100 protesters marched from Granby Street to the Confederate monument on Main Street.[71]
  • Petersburg: On May 30, approximately 30 protesters gathered near East Bank Street and Second Street.[72]
  • Poquoson: On June 5, protesters gathered in front of the Poquoson Police Department.[73]
  • Suffolk: On June 1, more than 140 protesters gathered at a north Suffolk shopping center.[74]
  • Virginia Beach: 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]
  • Williamsburg: On May 31, hundreds of protesters gathered at the Williamsburg-James City County courthouse.[79]

See also

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References

[edit]
  1. ^ Kolenich, Eric (August 11, 2020). "Unofficial historical markers on Monument Avenue are removed by city officials". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  2. ^ Kolenich, Eric (August 16, 2020). "Marcus-David Peters sign removed from the circle around Lee statue". Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved August 28, 2020.
  3. ^ Robertson, Nicky (May 30, 2020). "US surgeon general says 'there is no easy prescription to heal our nation'". CNN. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  4. ^ a b Goldberg, Michelle (May 29, 2020). "Opinion – America Is a Tinderbox". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 30, 2020.
  5. ^ Conrad, Charles (June 4, 2020). "Prayer vigil for healing of race relations held in Appomattox". Times Virginian. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  6. ^ Fox, Sierra (June 3, 2020). "Ashland residents, police unite for peaceful march against injustice". WRIC-TV. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  7. ^ Cayne, Lindsay (June 6, 2020). "Bedford NAACP hosts peaceful march". WDBJ. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  8. ^ Haun, Dawn (June 7, 2020). "'It's time to come together in unity and love': Pastors hold prayer gathering in Caroline". The Free Lance–Star. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  9. ^ Davis, Moriah. "Protesters in Charlottesville make their voices heard in honor of George Floyd". nbc29.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  10. ^ Wyant, Riley (May 31, 2020). "Protesters flood the streets of Charlottesville in honor of George Floyd". nbc29.com. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  11. ^ kknott@dailyprogress.com | (434) 978-7263, KATHERINE KNOTT (May 30, 2020). "VIDEO: George Floyd protest marchers briefly shut down Charlottesville intersection". The Daily Progress. Retrieved May 31, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  12. ^ Woods, Charlotte Rene; Louis, Billy Jean (May 30, 2020). "In wake of George Floyd killing in Minnesota, Charlottesville protesters decry police brutality". Charlottesville Tomorrow. Retrieved May 3, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Henrico prosecutor: Hanover man who drove into protest is admitted KKK leader". June 8, 2020.
  14. ^ Fortin, Jacey (June 8, 2020). "Man Who Drove into Protesters Said He Was a K.K.K. Leader, Prosecutor…". The New York Times. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2024.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  15. ^ Rockett, Ali (February 9, 2021). "KKK member sentenced to 3 years and 8 months for driving through Henrico protest". The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  16. ^ "Rally protests police brutality, racism". Brunswick Times-Gazette. June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  17. ^ "About 100 people gather in Downtown Lynchburg to protest George Floyd's death". WFXRtv.com. May 30, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  18. ^ Callahan, Eddie (June 2020). "Officers injured, two people arrested during "destructive demonstrations" in Lynchburg". nbc12.com.
  19. ^ "Protest Held Friday Night in Downtown Covington". The Virginian Review. June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on June 8, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  20. ^ "Hundreds gather in peaceful protests in Front Royal and Winchester". WZRV. June 6, 2020. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  21. ^ IAN MUNRO Daily News-Record. "Over 300 Gather In Harrisonburg's Court Square For Peaceful Protest Against Police Brutality, Racism". Daily News-Record. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  22. ^ Mines, Harrison (June 4, 2020). "Rally Brings Hundreds Downtown". The News-Gazette. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  23. ^ Holladay, Hilary (June 4, 2020). "Peaceful demonstration in Orange draws hundreds; law enforcement officers march in solidarity with protesters". Orange County Review. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  24. ^ Schwaner, Jeff. "Notes from live coverage of the march in Staunton for George Floyd". The News Leader. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  25. ^ Hood, John (June 4, 2020). "Community holds racial injustice rally outside Waynesboro municipal building". WHSV-TV. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  26. ^ "Protesters fill the streets of downtown Winchester | Winchester Star". winchesterstar.com. June 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  27. ^ Crigger, David (June 6, 2020). "Abingdon Peace Vigil". Bristol Herald Courier. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  28. ^ Gentry, Matt (June 2, 2020). "Photos: Nearly 300 march in peaceful Blacksburg protest". Roanoke Times.
  29. ^ Wade, Sarah (June 1, 2020). "Candles, masks, mark Bristol vigil for George Floyd". Bristol Herald Courier. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  30. ^ Arintok, Angelique (May 31, 2020). "Peaceful protests for George Floyd and Black Lives Matter movement take place all weekend". WCYB-TV. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  31. ^ Crews, Daniel (June 1, 2020). "Protesters march peacefully through Danville to honor George Floyd". WSET-TV. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  32. ^ Stockton, Shaina (June 4, 2020). "Citizens unite for peaceful protest". Galax Gazette. Archived from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  33. ^ Haren, Jarvis (June 13, 2020). "Protests for racial equality continue in Marion". WCYB. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  34. ^ "A 17-Year-Old Who Organized A BLM Protest Had A Burning Cross Placed In His Yard, Cops Said". BuzzFeed News. June 16, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  35. ^ Wyatt, Bill (June 1, 2020). "Protesters and police on best behavior in Henry County". Martinsville Bulletin. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  36. ^ Calcagno, Christy (June 1, 2020). "Dozens peacefully rally in Norton, Virginia in response to George Floyd's death". WCYB-TV. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  37. ^ Smith, Samantha; Dwyer, Shane (May 31, 2020). "Hundreds protest death of George Floyd in downtown Roanoke". WSLS-TV. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  38. ^ Fabris, Casey (June 1, 2020). "Demonstrators rally, march in Roanoke following George Floyd's death". The Roanoke Times. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  39. ^ Barker, Briana (June 5, 2020). "Protest draws crowd despite heat". The Franklin News-Post. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  40. ^ Natanson, Hannah (July 27, 2020). "When Black Lives Matter came to White, rural America". Washington Post.
  41. ^ Tavernise, Sabrina (March 8, 2021). "The Officers Danced at a Black Lives Matter Rally. Then They Stormed the Capitol". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  42. ^ Marshall, Maggi (January 25, 2021). "FBI releases new evidence against 2 Rocky Mount Police officers". WSET. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
  43. ^ Rothrock, Millie (June 2, 2020). "Watch Now: Black lives matter rally held in Wytheville". Wytheville Enterprise. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  44. ^ Khan, Saliqa (June 2, 2020). "Alexandria takes down Confederate statue". WUSA-9. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  45. ^ Leayman, Emily (June 1, 2020). "Vigils For George Floyd Planned In Alexandria, Leaders React". Alexandria Patch. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  46. ^ Zeleny, Jeff; Bundy, Austin (June 1, 2020). "Virginia pulled its police out of DC after being put in 'compromising position' for Trump's photo op". CNN. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  47. ^ "Photos: Hundreds Take to the Streets for Anti-Racism Protest". ARLnow.com. June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  48. ^ Leayman, Emily (June 5, 2020). "Photos: Black Lives Matter Rally Draws Crowd In Burke". Patch.com Burke. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  49. ^ 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. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
  50. ^ a b Champion, Allison Brophy (June 6, 2020). "Peaceful protest in Culpeper draws hundreds". Culpeper Star Exponent. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  51. ^ "Protest briefly shuts I-95 in Virginia; nearly 50 arrested". Associated Press. June 6, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  52. ^ Hobbs, Bonnie (June 11, 2020). "Fairfax City: 'No Lives Matter Until Black Lives Matter'". Connection Newspapers. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  53. ^ Douglas Moran, Catherine (June 4, 2020). "Hundreds Join Student-Led Black Lives Matter March in Falls Church". Tysons Reporter. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  54. ^ Scott Baron, James (May 31, 2020). "Fredericksburg marchers join nationwide call for justice for George Floyd". The Free Lance-Star. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  55. ^ Greene, Renss (May 31, 2020). "'I Can't Breathe' Protest Packs Downtown Leesburg". LoudounNow. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  56. ^ "Mayor & Council". Leesburgva.gov. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  57. ^ Battiston, John (June 2, 2020). "Big crowd turns out in Leesburg for peaceful demonstration, protest". Loudoun Times-Mirror. Retrieved June 3, 2020.
  58. ^ a b c Staff Reports (May 30, 2020). "UPDATED: State delegate apparently hit with pepper spray after confronting police during Manassas protest". Prince William Times. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  59. ^ "Objects thrown at vehicles, officers as protesters storm Sudley Road in Manassas". WJLA. May 30, 2020. Retrieved May 31, 2020.
  60. ^ @carterforva (May 30, 2020). "Update: PWC Police lied to me about not having CS gas. I inhaled some, and they flashbanged me" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  61. ^ Morones, Mike (June 1, 2020). "PHOTOS: Fredericksburg area protests demand justice for George Floyd". The Free Lance-Star. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  62. ^ Greene, Renss (June 7, 2020). "Black Lives Matter Protests Draw Hundreds in Leesburg, Thousands in Sterling". Loudoun Now. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  63. ^ Leayman, Emily (June 4, 2020). "Protesters, Police Chief Attend Racial Justice Rally In Vienna". Patch. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  64. ^ Shockley, Jimmy (June 8, 2020). "Eastern Shore Rallies Protest Death of George Floyd". Shore Daily News. Retrieved June 8, 2020.
  65. ^ "PHOTOS: Black Lives Matter protest held in Chincoteague". Delmarva Now. June 4, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  66. ^ "Protests spread to rural Eastern Shore". Daily Press. June 6, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  67. ^ Bazzle, Allison (June 5, 2020). "Chesapeake holds march and moment of silence in support of Black Live Matter movement". WVEC. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
  68. ^ Jones, Jessica Nolte, Matt (May 30, 2020). "4 protesters arrested during standoff with police in riot gear overnight in Hampton". dailypress.com. Retrieved June 1, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  69. ^ "LIVE BLOG: Hundreds protest in Hampton Roads following death of George Floyd, taking over major roads". WAVY.com. May 31, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  70. ^ Reyes, Josh (June 2020). "Demonstrators gather across Hampton Roads for 3rd day of protesting following George Floyd's death". pilotonline.com. Retrieved June 1, 2020.
  71. ^ Rago, Gordon (June 3, 2020). "Protest march through Norfolk ends peacefully, with eye on young leadership". The Virginian-Pilot. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  72. ^ Thrasher, Tyler (May 30, 2020). "Petersburg Police Chief stands alongside protesters demanding justice". WRIC-TV. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  73. ^ "Planned Protest Rallies". Poquoson, Virginia. June 5, 2020. Archived from the original on June 7, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2020.
  74. ^ LaRoue, Jimmy (June 1, 2020). "Peaceful protest for Floyd, justice". Suffolk News-Herald. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  75. ^ "Virginia Beach city leaders speak on chaotic Oceanfront protest". WVEC. June 1, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  76. ^ "Peaceful protest in Virginia Beach, but dozens of arrests made". WVEC. June 2, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  77. ^ ""Silent no longer," Virginia Beach ministers hold prayer vigil at Mount Trashmore in wake of George Floyd's death". June 3, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
  78. ^ Delaney, Matthew (June 6, 2020). "Va. state police break up protest stopping traffic on I-95". WTOP-FM. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  79. ^ "In photos: Williamsburg protest in front of the Williamsburg-James City County courthouse". WYDaily. May 31, 2020. Retrieved June 5, 2020.
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