The Spokane police are encouraging a “peaceful gathering,” as the chauvin jury considers

April 19, 2021, 5:09 p.m.

Melissa Luck

Posted: Apr 19, 2021 at 5:09 pm

Updated: April 19, 2021, 5:18 pm

Spokane police and protesters clash in a protest in May 2020

SPOKANE, Washington. – As the country prepares for the verdict in the trial of former Minnesota Police Officer Derek Chauvin, Spokane police will be on the lookout for local protests and demonstrations.

Spokane witnessed several days of protests following the death of George Floyd last summer. Only one became violent when people broke into the downtown Nike store and officials fired tear gas at the crowd.

PAST COVERAGE: Spokane police use tear gas and rubber bullets when the group becomes aggressive

“The Spokane Police support the legal expression of the rights of the first amendment and at the same time remind people of our duty to protect people and property,” SPD spokeswoman Julie Humphreys told 4 News Now Monday.

Humphreys referred to a demonstration last weekend where a small group gathered in Riverfront Park to protest the police murder of Daunte Wright. Wright was shot dead by a Minnesota police officer who mistook her taser for a gun.

The group marched from Riverfront Park to Kendall Yards last weekend.

“During the march, the group occupied the sidewalks and obeyed all traffic rules, which resulted in no enforcement action by the SPD,” said Humphreys. “In addition to peaceful gathering and compliance with pedestrian and traffic laws, please also consider our local businesses and the impact of marching on the ability to trade.”

“The SPD is proud of our community, our officers and our history of peaceful expression.”

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