FLORIDA, USA — In cities across the country, including Tampa Bay, people have been protesting police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody.
Floyd died Monday after former officer Derek Chauvin was seen on video kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded, "I can't breathe." Chauvin was charged with second-degree murder in Floyd's death.
Chauvin and three other officers were fired. The other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane, were charged with aiding and abetting murder and manslaughter.
10 Tampa Bay is committed to covering the community conversation, with reports from where protests are ongoing.
Audience discretion is advised with some of the following videos and images.
7:23 p.m. (June 3)
People continue marching into the evening through downtown Sarasota, kneeling at times in memory of Floyd and making sure their voices are heard. U.S. 301 is among several roads closed to keep the protesters safe.
3:52 p.m. (June 3)
Protesters meet in front of the St. Petersburg Police Department to speak with Police Chief Anthony Holloway.
2:24 p.m. (June 3)
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar announced on Twitter Wednesday that charges against former Minneappolis police officer Derek Chauvin have been elevated to second-degree murder.
The three additional officers seen in the video during George Floyd's arrest and death while in police custody will also be charged, according to the tweet.
Klobuchar called the upped and additional charges "another important step for justice."
Floyd died Monday after officer Derek Chauvin was seen on video kneeling on Floyd's neck as he pleaded, "I can't breathe." Chauvin and three other officers were already fired.
11:35 p.m. (June 3)
The Tampa Police Department arrested 68 protesters Tuesday night after they say protesters began destroying property and targeting police.
According to police, officers kept protesters safe for almost 10 hours Tuesday as they marched approximately eight miles in and around town in response. The protests are in response to police brutality in the wake of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody.
Three groups of protesters merged, creating a group the size of roughly 500 people who attempted to take over I-275 three different times, according to police.
Later in the night, some in the crowd became violent and began throwing bricks, rocks and bottles at police officers and jumping on top of police cruises, according to a release
An order to disperse was given at 11:46 p.m. Those who refused to leave were taken into custody and charged with unlawful assembly.
11:30 a.m. (June 3)
The Westfield Countryside shopping mall in Clearwater has closed amid concerns over protests, some of which have turned violent, in the Tampa Bay area.
"For the welfare of our customers, employees and retail partners, we are currently closed," the mall wrote in a statement on its website. "We strongly believe in the importance of inclusivity and in the strength of our community - please stay safe, and we look forward to reopening to serve you soon."
Earlier this week, 10 Tampa Bay told you how two other malls -- International Plaza and WestShore Plaza -- had decided to keep their doors shut Sunday after University Mall was damaged. All three malls have since reopened.
10 a.m. (June 3)
St. Petersburg city leaders and community members joined forces Wednesday morning in a show of "solidarity and support of the national outcry" against George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
The city said the show of support was a time to strengthen relationships, build trust and transparency and affirm the city's commitment to citizen-focused public safety.
"St. Petersburg officials have worked diligently with the community and law enforcement to allow for peaceful gatherings while providing for the safety of the city," the city wrote in a release.
You can watch the full event here:
What other people are reading right now:
- People march to Tampa's Franklin Manor after co-owner's 'just shoot them' comment
- Co-owner of Tampa restaurant group resigns after suggesting protesters should be shot
- The will of 'Tiger King' star Carole Baskin's missing husband Don Lewis was forged, sheriff says
- Sarasota police officer on leave after kneeling on man's neck
- 'The Bible is not a prop': Church leaders condemn Trump visit
- Group takes down huge Confederate flag in Tampa
FREE 10 TAMPA BAY APP:
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter