Police arrested 41 individuals involved in a massive overnight protest in Adams Morgan.
The protesters were in the area of 18th Street and Florida Avenue in Northwest around 10 p.m., chanting, “defund the police,” on the streets and near the Metropolitan Police Department’s Third District Precinct.
Police said the arrested individuals intentionally set fires and destroyed property. They were charged with felony rioting and assault on police officers.
The demonstration started as a march before it made its way into the Adams Morgan neighborhood.
D.C. police officers were at the scene monitoring the protests. Officers held a line at the intersection of Florida Avenue and 18th Street.
Protests and demonstrations erupted in D.C., across the nation, and the world in response to the May death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
We facilitate daily peaceful demonstrations in DC. Overnight, intentional fires were set & property destroyed. When this occurs, our members have a responsibility to take action.
At this time, 41 individuals were arrested for Felony Rioting & Assault on Police Officer offenses. pic.twitter.com/GbpWxYMjXm
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) August 14, 2020
A confrontation happens between police and protesters after a MPD van tries to leave with what can be heard an arrested protester banging on the van walls. @wusa9 #DC #DCprotests pic.twitter.com/WVKYiCp6BZ
— Jesse Varner (@DCNewsPhotog) August 14, 2020
The protesters included members of the Occupy D.C. group. They said officers peppered sprayed some individuals before making arrests Thursday night. The group said they would continue this “fight” on Friday.
The overnight event comes in the wake of protests in the District calling for racial justice and equality that, in recent weeks, have not been as widespread.
