HARTFORD, Conn. — Crowds of hundreds of people across Connecticut came together Monday and over the weekend for protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
One of protests Monday afternoon was at Keney Park in Hartford. Protesters started at the park and then made their way to the city’s police station before eventually taking over I-84 and stalling traffic for miles around 6:00 p.m. At one point, what appeared to be a prayer circled formed, before Connecticut State Police brought the situation to a peaceful ending. Protesters were seen leaving the highway after 6:30 p.m.
Monday, June 1 updates:
6:30 p.m.
Around 6:30 p.m. protesters were seen peacefully leaving I-84. Click here for the complete story.
6 p.m.
Protesters walked onto I-84, stopping traffic. At one point, many of them were lying down on the highway and the formed what appeared to be a prayer circle.
5 p.m.
Protesters rallying at Keney Park in Hartford made their way to the city's police station before migrating through city streets.
4:56 p.m.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and NHPD Chief Otoniel Reyes discussed the protests in New Haven Sunday in the wake of the death of George Floyd. Both spoke at the Monday news briefing, along with other community members. Mayor Elicker said that it meant a lot is see everyone “here standing side by side.” He also spoke about the protesters saying, “I’m proud of the protesters. There were more than 1,000 people out and overwhelmingly peaceful.” He expressed his deep frustration and anger over what happened to George Floyd. Elicker also spoke about how the community will move forward and work together.
2:28 p.m.
Protesters were rallying at Keney Park in Hartford Monday afternoon in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, following the death of George Floyd.
2:11 p.m.
Another round of protests is underway in Manchester in support of #BlackLivesMatter. People are standing with signs as people who drive by honk their horns. Watch:
2:04 p.m.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and NHPD Chief Otoniel Reyes will hold a news briefing at 4:00 p.m. Monday with an update on the latest protests in the New Haven area. During an interview with FOX61 Monday morning, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said that he wants to work with the community to help address racism. Click here to watch the interview.
11 a.m.
Westfarms Mall released a statement saying they would remain closed for the day out of an abundance of caution. The statement is in response to posts on social media that warned of a rumored planned "riot."
""Out of an abundance of caution, Westfarms will remain closed today. We continue to partner with local law enforcement and have determined to close the center out of an abundance of caution. We will keep the community informed of our reopening plans."
8:20 a.m.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said on FOX61 Morning News that no arrests had been made during the New Haven protests over the weekend and that he wants to work with the community on addressing racism. Click here to watch the interview.
2 a.m.
New Haven Police are investigating an attempted arson after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at their Newhallville substation on Winchester Avenue. No one was injured, and damage to the building was minimal.