(LEX 18) — Here at LEX 18 News, we're following demonstrations across the Lexington area, Louisville, and nationwide.
Protesters are calling for justice after the deaths of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor, who was shot to death when police entered her Louisville home with a no-knock warrant, and 46-year-old George Floyd, who died pleading with a Minneapolis police officer that he couldn't breathe while the officer knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes.
Follow the latest updates below:
12:04 a.m.
Protesters and Lexington police officers are kneeling together and praying. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/QCcH1Hynuz
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
11:56 p.m.
Breaking- Lexington PD have just updated me that there have been no arrests at tonight’s protest so far. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
11:54 p.m.
I’m told some officers are taking a knee again, hopefully you can see off in the distance. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/O3IYsXzY1M
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
11:43 p.m.
It appears a water bottle was thrown at a police officer but no force was used. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
11:27 p.m.
Someone set off firecrackers. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/t4rJcXyWBs
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
11:13 p.m.
Police are gathered between the district and circuit court buildings. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/9OejeCJZtB
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
11:12 p.m.
It’s unclear what’s going on but a large contingency of police officers just hustled to the courthouse. The protesters are following them. While the size of the group has whittled down, but tensions are high. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/DwzIFukc7T
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
11:09 p.m.
The crowd and police are now moving together towards the court house. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/yVuEtSyZ2J
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
11:05 p.m.
Protesters have surrounded Lexington police officers who are lined up outside of Molly Brooke’s Irish Bar. They are chanting “hands up, don’t shoot” and “take a knee.” They want the officers to take knee as show of support for the BLM movement. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/f10jwpA0gE
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
10:59 p.m.
Protesters are now very close to officers’ faces. Some are engaging one-on-one, most are urging different officers to “set a precedent” and take a knee. @LEX18News
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:57 p.m.
“Take a knee with us” @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/ffNZSVS28l
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:51 p.m.
They’re now pointing out to different officers, urging they take a knee. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/C5Y6qdAPG7
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:39 p.m.
Lexington PD take a knee for protesters. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/aJMgVV70kE
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
10:32 p.m.
Large police presences as protesters come back down Main Street. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/UsGu7igxlL
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
10:31 p.m.
Lexington officers are taking a knee. Huge round of applause from protesters. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/TuN7duK5iR
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:24 p.m.
Some people are starting to leave, but as we’ve seen with other protests, it may not be the end of the night. @LEX18News
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:20 p.m.
Protesters are starting to return to the courthouse. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/GrB2ivuZLo
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:13 p.m.
Protesters demanding more police accountability measures codified in the department’s policy. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/GjPzYmVyP7
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
10:05 p.m.
Protest organizer again urges everyone to be behind the line. Says that some observers warned there are people who are up ahead, and they don’t know whether they’re protesters or looking to start something. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/H9IRNjmt4e
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:57 p.m.
Protesters stage a “die in” on the ground while continuing to chant “Get off my neck,” remembering #GeorgeFloyd #protests2020 @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/4TNEpwr5n4
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:56 p.m.
“I can’t breathe!” “Get off my neck!” #protests2020 @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/vlorTX8bX2
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:47 p.m.
“What’s her name?”
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
“#BreonnaTaylor” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/OxHnzDgdTo
9:35 p.m.
“All medics to the front.” It appears some people may be worried about a rogue protester possibly causing violence. No hint of violence right now. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/mGxGtuCRrC
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:26 p.m.
Protesters are making their way down W Vine after a brief stop. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/8A570PQErF
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:25 p.m.
As we march down vine street more protesters are coming in and joining @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/dLs1vmssNO
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
9:22 p.m. -- Tanker barrels into crowd of protesters on Minnesota highway
A news helicopter showed a tanker truck barreling into a crowd of protesters on a Minneapolis highway on Sunday.
The protest marked the sixth straight day of unrest in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd. Floyd died while in police custody on Monday after an officer held a knee against Floyd’s neck for nine minutes.
The news helicopter showed dozens of protesters swarming the tanker, with several protesters jumping on the hood of the tanker. As the crowd swelled, police rushed in and sprayed the crowd.
WCCO-TV reported that the tanker's driver was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.
9:18 p.m.
Looks like they might be moving back to the Courthouse. Leaders are moving to the front. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/kvO1Kakkt2
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
9:16 p.m.
Protester holding handcuffs he says “this is a peaceful protest but if it goes to violence I’m going with them” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/04EqntgxuM
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
9:02 p.m.
Familiar chant now: “#BreonnaTaylor means we’ve got to fight back” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/KtM59ujJ7z
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:56 p.m.
Organizers say they are going to begin to move down Main Street towards triangle park. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/NbfjRL0YHG
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:50 p.m.
A couple of protesters just got in this Lexington police officers face, screaming at him and calling him a disgrace for being African American and a cop. He didn’t flinch, didn’t respond. He appears unshaken, but that can’t be easy. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/74ZevlBZtu
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:49 p.m.
This protester is tells LEXPD “silence is guilt” and “we are not thugs” he says. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/fUp9SrvuLF
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:44 p.m.
Protesters are kneeling while blocking E Main St near MLK. I want to mention this is a diverse crowd, including people of all races, ages, and creeds with a shared message. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/sCPT3Wg44E
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:40 p.m.
Protesters are blocking Main St at MLK for 8 minutes, march leaders say to symbolize the 8 times Breonna Taylor was struck when she was shot by police who entered her home in Louisville. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/uQfQJWX37A
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:37 p.m.
Protesters are on the move in downtown Lexington. They are now blocking East Main St at Martin Luther King Blvd. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/pWfnwnH0Bg
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:37 p.m.
For the third night in a row, the protest has moved into the street. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/RdpX7HV1jo
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:37 p.m.
Protesters moving down E. Main Street the March is beginning now. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/aNrfGUgoqy
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:36 p.m.
“No justice, no peace.” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/GGb8q054GG
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:34 p.m.
About 50 officers are downtown that I can see. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:33 p.m.
“No justice, no peace!” Protesters are preparing to march through downtown Lexington in a stand against police brutality and racism. @LEX18News #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/q3DWBxoo9m
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:32 p.m.
Police presence continues to grow @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Ydv3O2BTYa
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:31 p.m.
LexPD are lined up near the public library dressed in swat gear. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/ntahB1JQSg
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:29 p.m.
Police across the street. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/J08AoNeF7D
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:28 p.m.
Bob Dummitt adopted his African American son in 2006. He says he fears for his son’s life whenever he leaves the house. He says George Floyd’s death put him over the edge, and he can’t sit back and do nothing anymore. Things need to change. @LEX18News #protests2020 pic.twitter.com/8O1P8HZabd
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:26 p.m.
This is Tray. Off camera, he told me he wants people to remain non-violent and avoid vandalism, because “this is the city we have to look at every day.” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/0A7qKYdo4U
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:24 p.m.
“No justice no peace, Breonna was asleep.” 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot by Louisville Police who had entered her home without warning to execute a search warrant. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/mzD0gcFWEp
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
8:20 p.m.
Speakers are urging people to remain peaceful tonight, reminding everyone kids are in the crowd. @LEX18News
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:20 p.m.
The crowd has started singing, listen in @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/eJ8b3jcERd
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:17 p.m.
Lots of honking. This crowd is getting a good deal of support. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/nh9FoIcxOR
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:15 p.m.
@LEX18News pic.twitter.com/KBdKsiw9RW
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:14 p.m.
I just spoke to KY State Senator Reginald Thomas who tells me he is preaching a message of non-violence, he says by looting that message becomes diluted. He hopes protesters make Martin Luther King Jr. proud and practice non-violence. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:11 p.m.
Lexington police officers look on. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/JTaCmE9XPY
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:08 p.m.
Station set up to provide people water, facemasks, snacks, etc. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/lxVD8rnzTE
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:05 p.m.
This woman is out protesting because she says her daughter was killed. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Krl5Edk3mC
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) June 1, 2020
8:04 p.m.
Large crowd forming. Speakers are addressing the crowd. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/JmWPYVQMOM
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:02 p.m.
This is Nicki, a licensed nurse who’s serving a dual purpose tonight. She’s protesting racial injustice and she’ll be on hand as one of several medics to step in if need be. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/oj521w2GDQ
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) June 1, 2020
8:02 p.m.
A crowd of several hundred protesters in downtown Lexington is chanting “I can’t breathe.” Several people just told me it’s time to put an end to police brutality and racism in America. @LEX18News #protests2020 #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/10yTqOLbPh
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) June 1, 2020
7:58 p.m.
Here’s some video of them in action, you will probably hear them throughout the night. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/b8WvGjEfUi
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) May 31, 2020
7:54 p.m.
I just spoke to a local biker gang who tells me they will be driving around doing tricks and honking to show their support for the cause. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) May 31, 2020
7:52 p.m.
@LEX18News pic.twitter.com/w3LKxRFMuG
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
7:51 p.m.
A protest is about to get underway in downtown Lexington. People here are demanding justice after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “Silence is consent” and “Black lives matter” are two common phrases seen on signs amongst the crowd. @LEX18News #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/X9fA4gPFC8
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) May 31, 2020
7:50 p.m.
Chants breaking out: “This is what democracy looks like.” @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/VTRswO2dSt
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
7:49 p.m.
People are holding up signs with the number 859-552-1503 which is a number people can call in case someone is arrested. @LEX18News
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) May 31, 2020
7:46 p.m.
Nelson Smith says the man who was taken away is actually someone he knows from his apartment complex. The man, Nelson says, was yelling at him about the protests and trying to incite him. Protesters intervened and that’s when the fight started. Things are calm now. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Wtfl0PbbrZ
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
7:46 p.m.
This woman is urging people to stay peaceful but says “self defense is not violence” though @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/NhhU8jT8TW
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) May 31, 2020
7:44 p.m.
Several police officers have arrived wearing face masks @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/Eh3E6b94mm
— Eleanor Buckley (@elbuckleyTV) May 31, 2020
7:42 p.m.
A couple protesters said the man seen in the video was being disrespectful to someone in a wheelchair. @LEX18News
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
7:41 p.m.
This man was taken away by Fayette Sheriff’s deputies. Not sure what ignited the fight, but it ended in a “no justice, no peace” chant. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/nO65WMngEH
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
7:40 p.m.
Fight breaking out in front of the courthouse. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/uywcd57ESn
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) May 31, 2020
5:52 p.m. -- Devine Carama speaks out about nationwide protests and unrest
Heartbroken is the way community activist Devine Carama described his emotions reacting to the recent protests across the United States, including in Lexington.
“We’re angry. We're hurt. Not only to see these unarmed black people die by the hands of people who don't care about them but to see the pain and my people that are going through it. It just hurts my heart,” Carama said.
Protests in Lexington have been peaceful recently, but protesters and police have clashed in different cities during their protests, including in Louisville. Carama said he does not support the violence some are exhibiting but does stand with those who are raising their voices peacefully.
“If we don't want people marching and protesting then we got to fix the issues,” he said.
Watch the full interview here.
