New Orleans held its 5th-night of protests last night with police meeting the rally on I10 for almost two hours. Hundreds of demonstrators ascended onto I10 around 7:45 p.m. The protest started in Duncan Plaza continued through downtown New Orleans until they reached the I10 near Loyola. The police eventually confronted the protestors near the French Quarter off-ramp and kept the peace while pledging their support for justice for George Floyd.
“We feel ashamed for what this officer did to tarnish the badge, we support you.” – Chief Deputy Superintendent John Thomas, addressed the crowd.
A commander from NOPD out here now trying to talk to protesters over a loudspeaker. “We feel ashamed for what this officer did to tarnish the badge.” Calls Minneapolis officer “a criminal with a badge.” pic.twitter.com/xgVEMDUGJN
— Bryn Stole (@brynstole) June 3, 2020
Soon after, the officers in riot gear all took a knee and joined in on the peaceful protests on I10. It was an emotional scene that stayed peaceful throughout the two hours. Around 10 pm police and protesters remaining on the expressway finished without major incidents. The protesters and police left I10 and traffic begin to flow again. New Orleans has presented a stark contrast to other rallies throughout the country, with protestors staying peaceful and respecting the NOPD while exercising their rights.
See photos and videos from the protests on I10 below.
#NewOrleans continues to seek justice. Thank you for delivering the message through peaceful protests. 🖤 📸: @brynstole pic.twitter.com/8c3j4arbHL
— Mayor LaToya Cantrell (@mayorcantrell) June 3, 2020
Cars are stalled on I-10 as protesters march on pic.twitter.com/LHMBhuhMZb
— Betsy Shepherd (@Betsy1Shepherd) June 3, 2020
Protesters are marching onto the interstate pic.twitter.com/kn32Z11iIM
— Betsy Shepherd (@Betsy1Shepherd) June 3, 2020
Protesters are all taking a knee and raising their fists in front of the police barricade pic.twitter.com/heOSVy9cBH
— Betsy Shepherd (@Betsy1Shepherd) June 3, 2020
Marching down Interstate 10 in New Orleans. pic.twitter.com/UN8jI8jKOT
— Bryn Stole (@brynstole) June 3, 2020
Police lined up across the interstate with shields in front of a line of vehicles. Protesters paused, took a knee, then marched forward. Now facing off from a couple feet away, then kneel again. pic.twitter.com/zGSiYmLpig
— Bryn Stole (@brynstole) June 3, 2020
Featured Image: Betsy Shepherd