Durham, NC, United States Demonstrations took place on Friday night in many places around the Triangle, as many expressed their displeasure after recent violent actions against coloreds across the country.
Protesters are fueled by the outrage of recent police shootings that have led to the deaths of minorities, including 20-year-old Daunte Wright and 13-year-old Adam Toledo.
Wright was fatally shot by police officer Kimberly Potter during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, claiming she intended to use her taser instead of her gun.
Toledo, a seventh-grader, was shot dead by Chicago police on March 29, but the recordings of the shooting incident were only released Thursday.
Crowds gathered in downtown Durham around 7.30pm. A large crowd started at the Durham County Courthouse and then moved to the headquarters of the Durham Police Department.
Graffiti can be seen on various surfaces, with clear messages aimed at authority.
Rosalia Fodera of WRAL reports that protesters are burning an American flag, while firearms can also be heard going off near the Durham police station building.
Durham protesters could be heard singing ‘Justice for Daunte Wright’. In addition, some protesters demanded buildings and demolished barriers outside restaurants, including the Durham staple food, Copa.
Copa owner Roberto Copa says he stands with the protesters on their political stance, but is sad that they have destroyed their refuge in property.
“Plates are broken, wine glasses are on the floor, and it’s not nice,” Copa said. “Personally, I agree with their protests, but it is not fair to come and disturb things.”
In Raleigh, a smaller group gathered to protest and take action against police brutality.
Mary-Ann Baldwin, mayor of Raleigh, announced Friday night that the city has no plans to impose a curfew in response to the protests.
“There are several demonstrations planned over the weekend. I am not considering an evening clock,” Baldwin said.
Protests took place at the Governor’s Mansion and Moore Square in Raleigh.
Many Raleigh business owners tell WRAL that they are entering their stores with great caution following the looting and vandalism that took place in May 2020.
Debbie Holt, owner of Clyde Cooper’s BBQ on S. Wilmington St, is one of them.
“You need to do what will help you sleep at night,” Holt said. ‘And after seeing what we went through with the riots, it’s my ease, and I wish everyone could do it too, because you never know what’s going to happen.
‘If you call 911, you hope someone will come to protect you. “Well, it did not happen to me,” she said.
In addition, Cumberland County announced Friday that it will close its downtown Fayetteville offices at 4 p.m., allowing workers to leave the area before possible protests begin. Kirsten Guttierez of WRAL reports that a group of protesters began to disperse outside the historic Market House around 7.30pm.