Protesters flood the streets of Denver after George Floyd rally
11 News Reporter Spencer Wilson was forced to take cover after what sounded like gunfire erupted right after an event that organizers advertised as a peaceful rally for George Floyd.
The rally was held at the Colorado State Capitol building Thursday evening. Dozens of people showed up holding signs and chanting, asking for justice in the death of Floyd and others. Floyd died on Memorial Day in Minneapolis after an officer knelt on his neck until he became unresponsive. Four officers were fired.
Wilson had just wrapped up his live report for 11
It isn't clear if the gunfire was tied to anyone who attended the rally. Details on possible injuries were not available last time this article was updated at 6:20 p.m.
Police were on the scene at W. Colfax Avenue and W. 15th Street. As of 6:30 p.m. they were reporting "the motive is unknown."
A short time later, I-25 was closed at Speer because protesters walked into the middle of the highway. It was closed for about 30 minutes before authorities could get everyone to move.
At one point, protesters were in the street and a driver appeared to try and hit one of them. Video of the incident was captured by Anabel. She gave permission to share it with 11 News after posting it to her Twitter page @bellers03.
Gov. Jared Polis sent out the following statement regarding the video shared by Anabel:
At sunset, hundreds of people flooded the streets of Denver. Police in riot gear gathered in groups and utilized tear gas multiple times. As of 9:30 p.m. there were no serious incidents reported, but multiple streets were shut down near the capitol building.
Video of the aftermath is below:
