Group Protesting Over George Floyd's Death Gathers In East Liberty
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Protests continue in Pittsburgh today over the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody in Minneapolis last week.
A group of demonstrators began gathering around 3:30 p.m. at the corner of Penn and Centre Avenues, outside of the Target in East Liberty.
- For more information on the George Floyd case, visit CBS Minnesota here.
It started with just a dozen or so people and has grown to hundreds, possibly as many as 1,000.
Their march started down Penn Avenue, calling for an end to racial injustice and police brutality. They are chanting as they go, phrases like "Black Lives Matter," and "I can't breathe," and carrying signs.
"People have the right and deserve to walk through their daily life without fear of violence or getting murdered out of nowhere, whether that's by the police or anyone else," said Gabriel McMoreland.
Pittsburgh Public Safety officials say people driving and living in the area should expect some delays as the large crowd continues marching through the neighborhood.
The crowd paused at the intersection of North Highland Avenue and Station Street for a small rally. They were also passing out water and hand sanitizer.
Organizers of the protest say they "will not tolerate any violence" during the march.
Crowd now moving around Penn Circle area. Police on scene will continue to close roads for everyone's safety. Please be patient if you get caught in traffic or closures. https://t.co/bJA0o9oLMt
— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) June 1, 2020
Crowd now stopped at Station St and N Highland Ave. https://t.co/Fxa5bUhkVq
— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) June 1, 2020
Crowd is mobile again. Moving down Station Street. Crowd remains peaceful. https://t.co/6MPFpy16cG
— Pgh Public Safety (@PghPublicSafety) June 1, 2020
Protesters ended up back outside the East Liberty target where the peaceful demonstration started.
"We have an obligation to speak out about the horrible way that back people and brown people are being treated in this country," said Susanne Ahmari.
Earlier Monday, more than 100 clergy members gathered on Freedom Corner in the Hill District for a prayer session and protest against racial injustice.
Monday's demonstrations follow two days of protests in the city, one of which took a violent turn on Saturday afternoon.
Two Pittsburgh Police cruisers were set on fire, and businesses were looted and vandalized by rioters.
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Dozens of arrests have been made in the wake of the protest turned riot, and now police are searching for a man they say incited the violence that erupted Saturday.
