Houston mayor calls for unity, peace amid protests over George Floyd's death; tear gas deployed
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner implored protesters to remain respectful in airing their frustrations over the death of Third Ward native George Floyd, as an initially peaceful demonstration splintered off into groups that blocked highway entrances and threw objects at officers Friday evening.
The protesters would clash with police at several occasions downtown Friday evening, with officers deploying tear gas at Capitol and Caroline streets to disperse crowds. Earlier, the protesters overtook a cruiser a few blocks away, smashing its windshield and windows.
Crowds gathered with Black Lives Matter Houston to protest the death of George Floyd with chants of “I can’t breathe” and “No justice, no peace,” as they trekked from Discovery Green to City Hall. Some were arrested for attempting to block roads, but no injuries have been reported, Turner said. Some police vehicles were damaged, he said.
“It was painful to watch,” Turner said of the video footage of Floyd’s death. “There is a lot of pain and a lot of hurt .. for people all over this country.”
Read more: https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-mayor-calls-for-protesters-to-remain-15304464.php