WASHINGTON DC (2 JUNE 2021) Read the full article Demonstrators recall being kettled by law enforcement during DC protests
On June 1, 2020, people protesting after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis Police custody were pepper-sprayed by law enforcement and arrested. The demonstrators faced curfew violation charges that were later dropped. Some residents in the Dupont Circle neighborhood sheltered them through the night.
“It makes me angry … it makes me realize that none of those people on that block mattered, just like none of the people we were out protesting that evening for matter,” said Anthony K., of D.C. “Taxpayers’ money was wasted on helicopters and paddy wagons, surrounding a building of innocent, unarmed people all night,” said Allison Lane, of D.C. A report by the American Civil Liberties Union charged that police used excessive tactics. The D.C. police union countered back saying the incident was violent and riotous.
“We were peaceful protesters. The entire protest was peaceful, and we were treated like animals. We were pepper-sprayed, and we were attacked. It just wasn’t fair,” said Kelly.
The matter is STILL unresolved.
Kelly said that the police actions constitute scare tactics, but, “They did not scare me. I’m still out here, and I’m going to continue to be out here because my work is not done, and my community needs me.”
