MADISON, Wis.– One year ago demonstrations broke out in cities across the United States after a former Minneapolis police officer murdered George Floyd.
On May 30, 2020, thousands of peaceful protesters marched throughout Madison.
“#BlackLivesMatter” chant echoing around #Wisconsin Capitol Square. #News3Now pic.twitter.com/3hlLGyfkLx
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) May 30, 2020
After they went home, a small group of people started rioting on State Street.
Protestors bashed the glass and broke into Goodman’s Jewelers on State Street. #News3Now pic.twitter.com/KaZfXEfnif
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) May 30, 2020
Madison Police declared the situation an unlawful assembly and used tear gas to clear the area.
MPD’s 2020 accountability report shows police used OC spray 104 times and batons 56 times from May 30 to June 1 and Aug. 24 to the 25, the days after a Kenosha Police Officer shot Jacob Blake seven times.
Months later, Madison Common Council proposed and rejected banning non-lethal weapons. New police chief Shon Barnes said they’re to be used as a last resort.
Plywood replaced the windows of most State Street storefronts. Local artists made them much prettier to look at.
Salt Rock is painting the last mural for the art project on State Street this afternoon. This portrait was inspired by one of his step-daughters. #News3Now pic.twitter.com/ZiSHNkF4BX
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) June 14, 2020
That weekend led to a summer of protests and a fraction of the change people wanted to see, including removing police from Madison schools, establishing a police civilian oversight board and committing to continuously improving use of force policies and training.
The caravan ended at the home of the Madison Metropolitan School Board President to demand police be taken out of schools. #News3Now pic.twitter.com/nJUqifJMYc
— Gabriella Bachara (@GabbyBachara) June 5, 2020
Protesters say substantial and long-term change still remains to be seen.
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