In response to the brutal murder of yet another Black person by police (George Floyd), an I Can’t Breathe protest was organized in Duluth. After the official protest ended, some protesters moved to block the I-35 Freeway. At approximately 9PM, a city-wide curfew was announced for 10PM (less than an hours notice). Protests continued across the city into the night. Duluth Police were seen in tactical gear, including batons and facemasks. Officers wearing tactical gear were seen being carted around in a large unmarked white van and a large Tactical Response Team marked van was present throughout the evening at the relocating areas of unrest. In addition, tear gas was used against protesters gathered in West Duluth. Eleven people were arrested across the city, including Black and Brown youth. An Indigenous person of queer and trans experience was among those arrested this evening and was charged with participation in a riot, a felony offense.
IMPACT: the community witnesses police taking out gear to address protesters angry at ongoing police violence. The protesters and those arrested were primarily local BIPOC youth. Tear gas is used against civilians, despite it being illegal in warfare. Police treat protesters as the enemy, as they are doing in cities across the US.
Photo by Steve Kuchera for the Duluth News Tribune, May 30, 2020