RICHMOND, Va. -- Protesters took to the streets of Richmond Wednesday night following the announcement in Louisville, Kentucky that none of the three officers involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor would be indicted on homicide charges, including murder and manslaughter.
A grand jury there announced Wednesday that one officer, Brett Hankinson, would be charged with three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for firing into the apartments of Taylor's neighbors.
Hundreds of people in Richmond gathered at Monroe Park around 8 p.m. before marching down Main Street and eventually to the Richmond Police Department's 3rd Precinct in the city around 9:30 p.m.
Moments after getting there, dozens of Richmond Police officers arrived with protective gear.
Protesters continued chanting before dispersing and marching back throughout the city down West Broad Street to Richmond Police Headquarters downtown.
A stand-off with police began at about 10:45 p.m. CBS 6 crews on scene indicated Richmond Police never deployed tear gas.
"While outside RPD Headquarters, protesters were observed spray painting the building, attempting to blind police personnel by shining lasers at them multiple times and blocking traffic," said Richmond Police in a release.
Police say three protesters were arrested during the demonstration.
Noah Woodruff is charged with disorderly conduct for pulling an officer’s shield. Lynn Murphy was served with an outstanding warrant for obstructing free passage. Dani Short is charged with obstruction of justice for interfering with the arrest of Murphy.
By 2 a.m, most of the demonstrators were gone.
I’m currently at Monroe Park where over 100 people have gathered in response to a grand jury’s ruling in the Breonna Taylor case. Several signs reading “Justice for Breanna Taylor” @CBS6 pic.twitter.com/4c49F1hKgx
— Matthew Fultz CBS 6 (@matthewfultztv) September 24, 2020
Similar protests took place across the country as protesters lashed out at a criminal justice system they say is stacked against Black people.
Violence seized the demonstrations in Taylor's hometown of Louisville as gunfire rang out Wednesday night and wounded two police officers.
Activists, celebrities, and everyday Americans have been calling for charges since Taylor was shot multiple times by officers who entered her home during a narcotics investigation in March.
