Friday morning, the Washington D.C. Police Department announced overnight intentional fires were set and property destroyed.
41 individuals were arrested for Felony Rioting and Assault on Police officer offenses.
We facilitate daily peaceful demonstrations in DC. Overnight, intentional fires were set & property destroyed. When this occurs, our members have a responsibility to take action.
At this time, 41 individuals were arrested for Felony Rioting & Assault on Police Officer offenses. pic.twitter.com/GbpWxYMjXm
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) August 14, 2020
Per WJLA, Black Lives Matter protesters told ABC7 they were marching to let people know they are still here. They also said MPD officers pepper-sprayed them.
In the video you can watch here, a man can be heard yelling, “I can’t breathe,” as D.C. police officers struggled to arrest him.
The D.C. police responded to the report and wrote “There is a difference between peaceful protestors & individuals destroying property or setting fires. Yes, MPD did make numerous arrests last night but only of those that were engaged in rioting behaviors.”
There is a difference between peaceful protestors & individuals destroying property or setting fires. Yes, MPD did make numerous arrests last night but only of those that were engaged in rioting behaviors.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) August 14, 2020