A riot was declared in Portland over night with cops pelted with Molotov cocktails as thousands took to the streets across America after a...
A riot was declared in Portland over night with cops pelted with Molotov cocktails as thousands took to the streets across America after a decision not to indict any police officers over the death of Breonna Taylor.
Protesters took to the streets of Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Oakland, and other major cities to vent their anger over the decision not to prosecute any officers for murder in the fatal March shooting of the 26-year-old EMT from Louisville.
In New York City, demonstrators packed into a plaza while one protester took a megaphone and threatened 'an eye for an eye'. A crowd of hundreds was chanting 'Say her name, Breonna Taylor,' and then started marching in the street in downtown Brooklyn, past onlookers and honking cars.
They were accompanied by musicians, setting a steady drum beat.
One of the protesters hurled a homemade firebomb or Molotov cocktail towards police officers outside of the precinct in Portland on Wednesday night
Williamsburg Bridge, New York City: Black Lives Matter supporters march across the Williamsburg Bridge during a protest late on Wednesday against the decision not to bring murder charges against the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor
Brooklyn, New York: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday night to protest the decision by a Kentucky grand jury not to indict any of the three police officers for murder in the fatal March shooting of Breonna Taylor
New York City: A protester waves a Black Lives Matter flag as hundreds of other demonstrators look on in Brooklyn on Wednesday evening
Manhattan Bridge, New York: Protesters marched across all inbound and outbound lanes on both the upper and lower roadways of the Manhattan Bridge on Wednesday
Manhattan, New York: A woman raises her first in the air as she takes part in a march in New York City on Wednesday
Brooklyn, New York: A woman holds a megaphone as she addresses other demonstrators outside Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday
Brooklyn, New York: Protesters outside the Barclays Center were asked to lie down on the pavement for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the same amount of time that a Minneapolis police officer knelt on the neck of George Floyd before he died on May 25
Police in Portland, Oregon declared a riot late on Wednesday after protesters damaged a police building in unrest that followed the grand jury decision.
'To those who have gathered outside of Central Precinct on Southwest 2nd Avenue. This gathering has been declared a riot,' the police force said in a tweet. The crowd was told to vacate or face tear gas, other crowd control agents or arrest.
One of the protesters hurled a homemade firebomb or Molotov cocktail towards police officers outside of the precinct, a video shared by Portland police on Twitter showed.
Upper windows appeared to be damaged and part of an awning outside the building was on fire, according to a photograph shared by the police, which said the building had suffered 'substantial damage'.
Upper windows appeared to be damaged and part of an awning outside the building was on fire, according to a photograph shared by the police, which said the building had suffered 'substantial damage'
A video shared on Twitter appeared to show protesters hurling a Motolov cocktails towards police officers in Portland
The grand jury indicted one Louisville officer in connection to the March 13 killing, but for shooting into a home next to Taylor's that had people in it.
No charges were brought against the two officers who fired their weapon at Taylor, in her home.
Prosecutors said they were justified in using force to protect themselves after they were shot at.
Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation.
Manhattan Bridge, New York: Black Lives Matter protesters make their way across the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan from Brooklyn on Wednesday
Manhattan Bridge, New York: The protesters hopped over the dividing lines on the bridge and marched across all inbound and outbound lanes toward Manhattan
Manhattan Bridge, New York: People approach NYPD officers as they take part in a protest on the Manhattan side of the Manhattan Bridge on Wednesday
Manhattan Bridge, New York: Several motorists honked horns in solidarity with the protesters as they marched across the Manhattan Bridge on Wednesday
Brooklyn, New York: There was a light police presence at Barclays Center (above) and during the course of the march across the Manhattan Bridge on Wednesday
The warrant used to search her home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn on Wednesday night.
There did not appear to be any unrest, though one person with a megaphone made threats of violence.
'Forget 'turn the other cheek,' we're way past that, it's 'eye for an eye' now,' the man on the megaphone said. His comments were reported by journalist Nick Pinto on his Twitter feed.
Los Angeles, California: Actor and activist Kendrick Sampson speaks during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison
Los Angeles, California: T-shirts for sale in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison
Los Angeles, California: A protester holds up a sign during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California: Protesters gather in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor
Los Angeles, California: A protester holds up a sign during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California: Protesters march in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California: Protesters march in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor
Los Angeles, California: Protesters march with an effigy of Breonna Taylor during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor after the results of a grand jury indictment of former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California: A protester rests in an intersection in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor
Los Angeles, California: Protesters gather in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor
Los Angeles, California: Protesters march past graffiti of Breonna Taylor in downtown Los Angeles during a demonstration held to demand justice for the death of Breonna Taylor
'All of this anger, and they still have billions of our dollars,' another speaker told the crowd at Barclays, referring to the police.
'They're using our money, taxpayer money, to brutalize us. To murder us!'
Another speaker asked demonstrators to lie down on the pavement in front of the arena for 8 minutes and 46 seconds - the amount of time that Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, pressed his knee against the neck of George Floyd on May 25. Floyd died in police custody.
'Today, you're Eric Garner,' the speaker said.
Brooklyn, New York: Protesters hold signs denouncing capitalism during demonstrations near the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday
Chinatown, New York: NYPD officers keep an eye on demonstrators as they protest in the Chinatown section of Manhattan on Wednesday
Barclays Center, New York: As of late Wednesday, there did not appear to be many arrests or confrontations between police and protesters
Brooklyn, New York: Protesters lie down on the pavement in front of Barclays Center in Brooklyn during a demonstration against the decision not to indict police officers in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor
Brooklyn, New York: A protester in Brooklyn wears a mask denouncing President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday
'Today you're George Floyd. Today a pig has his knee on your neck, and that means you're dead.'
Another speaker said: 'You ain't feel this f****** s***, you ain't f****** human.'
'That's real talk.'
Video images from social media showed the peaceful crowd listening to speakers in what was a subdued atmosphere.
Shortly afterward, the large crowd began marching toward Manhattan Bridge. An estimated 2,000 people made their way north on Flatbush Avenue.
The protesters chanted 'Black Lives Matter' and were encouraged by motorists honking their horns. They occupied all inbound and outbound lanes of the Manhattan Bridge while walking across both the upper and lower roadways into Manhattan.
Holding signs, thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Chinatown. Many of them chanted 'No justice, no peace.'
Massive marches were also seen in the East Village and SoHo.
In Buffalo, New York, a protester was injured after being struck by a pickup truck at a protest in Niagara Square. Police say the victim's injuries were not considered life threatening.
All indications as of late Wednesday evening are that the New York Police Department has taken a hands-off approach and allowed the protesters to march unimpeded in what have so far been peaceful demonstrations.
In Louisville, authorities said two officers were shot and wounded Wednesday night during the demonstrations expressing anger over the killings of black people at the hands of police.
Interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said a suspect was in custody but did not offer details about whether that person was participating in the demonstrations. He says both officers are expected to recover, and one is undergoing surgery.
He says the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd.
Brooklyn, New York: Demonstrators in Brooklyn raise their fists during a protest outside of Barclays Center on Wednesday
Brooklyn, New York: After a rally in front of Barclays Center, the demonstrators marched north on Flatbush Avenue and crossed the Manhattan Bridge into Manhattan
Brooklyn, New York: A protester holds a sign that reads 'Breonna Taylor' while lying down on the pavement near Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday
Brooklyn, New York: There were hundreds of protesters at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, though the crowd kept growing as the evening went on
Manhattan, New York: A man carrying an American flag walks next to demonstrators in Manhattan on Wednesday
Demonstrators hold signs in honor of Breonna Taylor as they march across the Williamsburg Bridge on Wednesday
A large crowd of thousands of demonstrators march in New York City during a protest on Wednesday evening
Protesters marched through Chinatown, SoHo, and the East Village in Manhattan late on Wednesday
Several shots rang out as protesters in downtown Louisville tried to avoid police blockades, moving down an alleyway as officers lobbed pepper balls, according to an Associated Press journalist.
People covered their ears, ran away and frantically looked for places to hide. Police with long guns swarmed the area, then officers in riot gear and military-style vehicles blocked off roadways.
The violence comes after prosecutors said two officers who fired their weapons at Taylor, a black woman, were justified in using force to protect themselves after they faced gunfire from her boyfriend.
The only charges were three counts of wanton endangerment against fired Officer Brett Hankison for shooting into a home next to Taylor's with people inside.
The FBI is still investigating potential violations of federal law in connection with the raid at Taylor's home on March 13.
Authorities in Atlanta deployed tear gas after they said protesters tried to climb on top of a SWAT vehicle during a demonstration
A protestor is arrested in Washington DC on Wednesday night after clasing with police
Protesters can be seen clashing with police in Washington D.C.
Demonstrators hold up images of Breonna Taylor as they rally in front of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
The crowd of demonstrators was seen marching near the White House on Wednesday evening
Demonstrators stage a rally in front of the Justice Department in Washington, DC, on Wednesday. Some held megaphones as well as pictures of Breonna Taylor
Protesters hold aloft pictures of Taylor while marching along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
A demonstrator raises his fist in anger and chants slogans while marching alongside other protesters in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
Protesters chant slogans through megaphones and hold up photos of Breonna Taylor during a march in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
Protesters hold up pictures of Breonna Taylor and signs that read 'Black Lives Matter' during a demonstration in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
Local reports estimate that some 200 people peacefully demonstrated in the nation's capital on Wednesday
Washington, DC: 'She did not die in vain,' protesters chanted. 'Her murder is going to be spoken on today and every day, until we get justice.'
Washington, DC: Protesters link arms and hold images of Breonna Taylor as they march along Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, on Wednesday
Washington, DC, has seen some of the nation's largest protests since the May 25 death of George Floyd
Washington, DC: Protesters chant through a megaphone while leading the procession through the streets of the capital on Wednesday
Washington, DC: Demonstrators are seen above marching with the Washington Monument in the background on Wednesday
Ben Crump, a lawyer for Taylor's family, denounced the decision as 'outrageous and offensive,' and protesters shouting, 'No justice, no peace!' immediately marched through the streets.
Scuffles broke out between police and protesters, and some were arrested.
Officers fired flash bangs and a few small fires burned in a square that's been at the center of protests, but it had largely cleared out ahead of a nighttime curfew as demonstrators marched through other parts of downtown Louisville.
Dozens of patrol cars blocked the city´s major thoroughfare and more police arrived after the officer was shot.
Demonstrators also marched in cities like Chicago, Washington, DC, Atlanta and Philadelphia.
A person holds a sign in remembrance of Breonna Taylor in Oakland, California, on Wednesday
People take to the streets of Oakland to protest the decision not to indict any of the three officers directly for the fatal shooting of Taylor
Oakland, California: Protesters hold signs which read 'Abolish the police' and 'Stop killing black people' in Oakland, California, on Wednesday
Dallas, Texas: An organization known as the Next Generation Action Network is seen above leading a protest and march in Dallas on Wednesday
Dallas, Texas: Shena Lee of Dallas displays photos of Breonna Taylor during a Next Generation Action Network protest outside of Dallas Police Headquarters
Dallas, Texas: An estimated 200 people marched through downtown Dallas on Wednesday after gathering at City Hall
Police say they have deployed chemical agents on Atlanta protesters demonstrating against the grand jury's decision not to indict officers for the fatal shooting of Taylor.
Georgia State Patrol Spokesperson Franka Young has told The Associated Press the chemical agents were fired after 'some unruly protesters' attempted to climb on top of a SWAT vehicle that was stationed in the city.
'They were given orders to get off of the vehicle and when they ignored the orders, the SWAT team was forced to utilize less lethal gas to deter them,' Young said.
Some protesters were also arrested after refusing orders to disperse from roads and to walk on sidewalks, Young said.
It is not clear how many people were arrested. Young said many protesters had followed police orders.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in downtown Chicago and various neighborhoods around the city to protest the lack of charges directly connected to Taylor's shooting death.
About 300 people gathered in Palmer Square Park on Chicago's northwest side before setting off on a march Wednesday evening, chanting Taylor's name.
Chicago, Illinois: Protesters in Chicago demonstrate against the decision by the grand jury as they march down Michigan Avenue near Millennium Park
Chicago, Illinois: Protesters in Chicago march down Michigan Avenue holding signs which read 'Stop the war on Black America!'
Chicago, Illinois: Chicagoans hold signs which read 'Justice for Breonna' and 'Say her name' during a protest on Wednesday
Chicago, Illinois: Authorities put the Illinois National Guard on standby, but all protests in Chicago on Wednesday remained peaceful
Chicago, Illinois: Officials in Chicago pleaded with the public to protest peacefully on Wednesday. People are seen above marching in Chicago
Chicago, Illinois: A group of about 50 people block the intersection of 79th and Racine during protests in Chicago on Wednesday
Chicago, Illinois: The image above shows protesters marching north on Indiana Avenue in Chicago on Wednesday
The march was monitored by police officers on bicycles.
Other demonstrators gathered in downtown's Millennium Park chanting demands for justice as passing motorists on Michigan Avenue honked their horns.
Activist priest the Reverend Michael Pfleger told protesters gathered in the middle of an intersection that they should peacefully let those who represent the status quo know of their unhappiness with the Taylor decision.
'We're here tonight because we do care,' Pfleger said.
'And we're here because we want to say, 'We object and we don't accept it. Somebody has to be held accountable'.'
Protesters also gathered outside the Chicago Police Department headquarters.
In Seattle, several arrests were made after protesters threw fireworks at the East Precinct on Capitol Hill, 'nearly striking officers in the process,' according to police.
The SPD also said protesters had been throwing glass bottles at officers. The protesters were charged with obstruction, assaulting an officer, and property damage.
Two separate protests were held in the city, one at Westlake Center where a candlelight vigil was held at 7pm, and the other at Cal Anderson Park.
In Denver, Colorado, a car drove through a crowd near the intersection of East Colfax Avenue and Broadway, hitting one person.
Denver Police said they detained the driver and no one was seriously injured.
Breonna Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home on a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation.
State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, however, said the investigation showed the officers announced themselves before entering.
The warrant used to search her home was connected to a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside.
Denver, Colorado: Large crowds gathered in Denver to protest the decision in the Breonna Taylor case on Wednesday
Denver, Colorado: Sheree Barbour holds her fist in the air as people protest the grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case in Denver on Wednesday
Denver, Colorado: Protesters in Denver hold signs that read 'I pray for peace but I'm ready for war!!' and 'Stop the war on Black America'
Denver, Colorado: A large crowd of demonstrators initially gathered outside the State Capitol in Denver on Wednesday
Denver, Colorado: Protesters in Denver hold up signs that read 'Breonna Taylor deserves better' and 'A badge is not a license to kill'
Denver, Colorado: The crowd in Denver gathered on Wednesday evening to chant slogans in support of Black Lives Matter
Denver, Colorado: Demonstrators in Denver raise their fists and take a knee to remember Breonna Taylor on Wednesday evening
Denver, Colorado: Protesters in Denver kneel during a Black Lives Matter demonstration to protest the decision in the Breonna Taylor case
Denver, Colorado: Protesters in Denver hold up signs which read 'My skin is not probable cause' and 'So much bulls*** so little poster'
Denver, Colorado: A man wears a smiley face shield as people protest the grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case in Denver on Wednesday
Denver, Colorado: People march through downtown Denver chanting slogans and denouncing racial injustice on Wednesday
Along with the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota, Taylor's case became a major touchstone for nationwide protests that have drawn attention to entrenched racism and demanded police reform.
Taylor's image has been painted on streets, emblazoned on protest signs and silk-screened on T-shirts worn by celebrities.
Several prominent African American celebrities joined those urging that the officers be charged.
The announcement drew sadness, frustration and anger that the grand jury did not go further.
The wanton endangerment charges each carry a sentence of up to five years.
Morgan Julianna Lee, a high school student in Charlotte, North Carolina, watched the announcement at home.
'It's almost like a slap in the face,' the 15-year-old said by phone. 'If I, as a black woman, ever need justice, I will never get it.'
Governor Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said he authorized a limited deployment of the National Guard.
Police and protesters are facing off in Louisville after a Kentucky grand jury cleared three officers of charges for the shooting death of Breonna Taylor (pictured)
Beshear also urged Cameron, the state attorney general, to post online all the evidence that could be released without affecting the charges filed.
'Those that are currently feeling frustration, feeling hurt, they deserve to know more,' he said.
The case exposed the wide gulf between public opinion on justice for those who kill black Americans and the laws under which those officers are charged, which regularly favor police and do not often result in steep criminal accusations.
At a news conference, Cameron spoke to that disconnect: 'Criminal law is not meant to respond to every sorrow and grief.'
'But my heart breaks for the loss of Miss Taylor. ... My mother, if something was to happen to me, would find it very hard,' he added, choking up.
But Cameron, who is the state's first black attorney general, said the officers acted in self-defense after Taylor's boyfriend fired at them.
He added that Hankison and the two other officers who entered Taylor's apartment announced themselves before entering - and so did not execute the warrant as 'no knock,' according to the investigation.
The city has since banned such warrants.
'According to Kentucky law, the use of force by (Officers Jonathan) Mattingly and (Myles) Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves,' he said.
'This justification bars us from pursuing criminal charges in Miss Breonna Taylor's death.'
Cameron said an FBI crime lab determined that Cosgrove fired the bullet that killed Taylor.
Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, opened fire when police burst in, hitting Mattingly.
Louisville, Kentucky: Police survey an area where two officers were shot in Louisville on Wednesday night amid protest sparked by a a Kentucky grand jury's decision to clear three officers of charges for the shooting death of Breonna Taylor
Louisville, Kentucky: The Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed a shooting at Brooks Street and Broadway at about 8.30pm Wednesday and said the officers were rushed to an area hospital
The map above shows the site where two police officers were shot in Louisville on Wednesday night
Louisville, Kentucky: Police escort a man out of the area after an officer was shot on Wednesday night
Louisville, Kentucky: Bystander video showed a group of people walking down a street when gunfire erupted several hundred yards away where police cars were parked with their lights flashing. At least 14 shots rang out at the person holding the camera started running away from the source
Louisville, Kentucky: A protester stands next to a burning pile of trash as tensions boiled over in Louisville's downtown area on Wednesday night
Louisville, Kentucky: A crowd is seen marching through an underpass after the 9pm curfew went into effect in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky: Police officers move past Louisville City Hall as a curfew is implemented at 9pm to disperse protesters
Louisville, Kentucky: Nightfall gave way to even more violence in the city as fires broke out on the streets
Louisville, Kentucky: An armored vehicle is seen near the site of protests in downtown Louisville on Wednesday night
Louisville, Kentucky: Armed National Guard members are seen armed and waiting in a vehicle after they were deployed by the governor
Louisville, Kentucky: A man removes a cooler box with water after protesters set fire in front of the Louis D Brandeis Hall of Justice
Louisville, Kentucky: A fire burns near a food station set up to keep protesters nourished during demonstrations on Wednesday night
Walker told police he heard knocking but didn't know who was coming in and fired in self-defense.
Cameron, who is a Republican, is a protégé of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and has been tagged by some as his heir apparent.
His was also one of 20 names on President Donald Trump's list to fill a future Supreme Court vacancy.
At a news conference, Trump read a statement from Cameron saying 'justice is not often easy.'
Fired Louisville detective Brett Hankison (above in his mugshot) was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment in connection to the police raid on the night of March 13
He praised both Cameron's handling of the case and the governor calling up of the National Guard.
Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden told reporters that he didn't have enough information on the decision to comment fully but warned protesters to stay peaceful.
'Do not sully her memory or her mother's by engaging in any violence,' he said.
Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate and a former prosecutor, also told reporters she hadn't fully read the decision.
'But there's no question that Breonna Taylor and her family deserved justice yesterday, today and tomorrow, so I'll review it,' she said.
Hankison was fired on June 23.
A termination letter sent by interim Louisville Police Chief Robert Schroeder said he had violated procedures by showing 'extreme indifference to the value of human life' when he 'wantonly and blindly' fired his weapon.
Mattingly, Cosgrove and the detective who sought the warrant, Joshua Jaynes, were placed administrative reassignment.
Last week, the city settled a lawsuit against the three officers brought by Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, agreeing to pay her $12million and enact police reforms.
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