A fifth night of protests in Washington, D.C., over the death of George Floyd remained largely peaceful. News4’s Justin Finch reports.
For a fifth night, scores of people took to the streets of D.C. to call for change.
Peaceful protests continued well past the curfew that went into effect at 7 p.m. The crowd started thinning out after 8 p.m., although a core group of several hundred remained at the fence at Lafayette Square for hours, chanting at the line of police and soldiers in riot gear on the other side.
Just before 9 p.m., some protesters began throwing items at Park Police officers standing guard. Others began chanting, "Peaceful protests!"
Tensions flared at about 1 a.m. Wednesday. Some rushed a gate that had been placed around Lafayette Square and shook it, and threw bottles of water and gallons of milk into the park. Police packed shoulder-to-shoulder behind the fence and used pepper spray on those near it.
Protesters were seen on video hanging back after the clash.
BREAKING. Military Police spray protesters with “OC spray” after they continued to shake the 8 foot fence and threw water bottles, gallons of milk at Lafayette Square Park. @msnbc#GeorgeFloydProtestspic.twitter.com/wMr8tyv7Ln
Of people arrested since Saturday, Most were charged with violating the curfew. Eleven percent were charged with felony rioting. Another 11 percent were charged with burglary.
Ninety percent of protesters who were arrested live in D.C., Maryland or Virginia, the chief said. Nine percent had unknown addresses or no fixed addresses. One percent lived in other states.
Shortly before the curfew was lifted at 6 a.m. Wednesday, a line of officers was seen blocking the area around 16th and H streets NW while crews cleaned up from the previous night's protest.
At Lafayette Square this morning, a line of law enforcement is blocking off the area around 16th & H Sts. NW where, behind the officers, crews appear cleaning up after Tuesday’s protests pic.twitter.com/BKxSBzLQak
Earlier in the evening, protesters marched along 16th Street and eventually made their way to the Lincoln Memorial. The crowd quickly dispersed once the clock struck 7 p.m.
Police and service members guarded the Lincoln Memorial as hundreds of protesters demonstrated peacefully at the Lincoln Memorial Tuesday.
The protests on Tuesday night lacked the tension of the previous nights’ demonstrations. The crowd in Lafayette Square was peaceful, polite even, as they protested the death of George Floyd while in police custody in Minnesota.
Instead of spray-painting tags, the protesters Tuesday favored colorful children’s street chalk, writing Black Lives Matter slogans on the pavement in front of St. John’s Church.
An Episcopal priest wearing a face mask reading “I can’t breathe” stood outside the church, where a fire was started Sunday.
• An Episcopal Priest wears an “I can’t breathe” mask
• Protester holds a US Flag upside down at the new, taller, Lafayette Square Park, fence.
Protesters chanted and talked among themselves, most wearing masks, but not social distancing in the age of COVID-19. One protester, Mati Yiheyis, a 21-year-old college student at the University of Virginia, speculated that fears of coronavirus kept many older people away.
Protesters demonstrated outside the White House hours after D.C.'s curfew. News4's Shomari Stone reports.
When one protester climbed a lamp post and removed a street sign, he was roundly booed by others.
“It’s not what we’re about,” said protester George “T.J.” Pierce of D.C.
In Silver Spring, Maryland, dozens of senior residents of Leisure World, a retirement community, lined Georgia Avenue to protest Floyd's death. The seniors, some of them holding walkers or using wheelchairs, waved signs at drivers passing by.
The curfew went into effect at 7 p.m. Tuesday as primary elections were set to be underway until 8 p.m. Anyone out to vote would not be in violation of the curfew order, the mayor said.
Metro trains stopped running one hour early, at 8 p.m. Metrobus service was set to be suspended two hours early, at 9 p.m. Restaurants and non-essential businesses had to close.
News4's Shomari Stone reports from 21st Street and Constitution Ave. where protesters stopped for a moment to listen to speeches.
U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that federal law enforcement would have a stronger presence that night.
"There will be even greater law enforcement resources and support in the region tonight. The most basic function of government is to provide security for people to live their lives and exercise their rights, and we will meet that responsibility here in the nation’s capital," he said in a statement.
D.C police said they arrested more people Monday night than any other night thus far. More than 300 people were arrested Monday. Eighty-eight were arrested Sunday night, when people clashed with law enforcement, set fires and vandalized businesses.
President Donald Trump said Monday evening that he would send "thousands and thousands of heavily armed" forces to the city that night. But D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said no soldiers were seen in local streets.
Trump administration officials discussed the possibility of federalizing D.C.'s local police force, the mayor's said Tuesday.
News4's Mark Segraves read the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act and discussed the issue with legal scholars. Sec. 740 of the act allows the president to assume control of the local police, with restrictions.
Bowser at a press conference on Tuesday responded to a question about how that clause works, indicating that it's not as simple as the president making a stroke of the pen. She didn't comment further.
Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators gather near the White House to protest the death of George Floyd in downtown Washington, DC on June 1, 2020. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Members of the Secret Service counter assault team return to the White House after U.S. President Donald Trump posed for photographs in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Trump held up a bible while standing in front of the church, which was partially burned during violent protests the night before. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against violent protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: U.S. Secret Service officers stand on the roof of the West Wing while keeping watch on protesters gathered outside the White House June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Trucks transport District of Columbia National Guard troops along West Executive Drive in support of law enforcement officers that are keeping demonstrators away from the White House June 01, 2020 in Washington, DC. Earlier in the day, President Donald Trump encouraged U.S. governors to be more aggressive against protesters following several nights of nationwide violence in response to the death of George Floyd while in the custody of the Minneapolis police. “You have to dominate or you’ll look like a bunch of jerks, you have to arrest and try people,” he was reported saying during a call from the basement White House Situation Room. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 1: Protestors demonstrate against the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis on June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Thousands of protesters took to the streets throughout the Washington to continue to show anger at Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin who was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Floyd’s death, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans while in police custody, has set off days and nights of protests across the country. (Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators confront law enforcement during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Law enforcement officers monitor a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Demonstrators confront law enforcement during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: A demonstrator holds up a sign in front of a police line during a protest on June 1, 2020 in downtown Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue in cities across America following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 1: Protestors demonstrate against the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis on June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Thousands of protesters took to the streets throughout the Washington to continue to show anger at Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin who was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck before he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Floyd’s death, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans while in police custody, has set off days and nights of protests across the country. (Photo by Joshua Roberts/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stand around a fire during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: People are seen running out of a store during a protest atLafayette Square Park on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
Tom Lynch/NBC Washington
A fire breaks out near the White House on Sunday, May 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington)
Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Across the country, protests were set off by the recent death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota while in police custody, the most recent in a series of deaths of black Americans by the police. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was taken into custody and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)
People protesting the death of George Floyd hold their hands up at Lafayette Square next to the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington,DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
People protesting the death of George Floyd hold placards at Lafayette Square next to the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington,DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Members of the Secret service speak with demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd, near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Large crowds of protesters stand behind gates at Lafayette Square near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. Hundreds of US Park Police and Secret Service officers face the demonstrators, who were chanting “George Floyd” and “Breonna Taylor.” (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Large crowds of protesters stand behind gates at Lafayette Square near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. Hundreds of US Park Police and Secret Service officers face the demonstrators, who were chanting “George Floyd” and “Breonna Taylor.” (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Large crowds of protesters near the White House on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Hundreds of people peacefully protest at Howard University in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. They plan to march to the White House to demonstrate against police brutality. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Hundreds of people peacefully protest at Howard University in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. They plan to march to the White House to demonstrate against police brutality. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
A protester holds a sign in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
A protester holds a sign in Washington, DC on Sunday, March 31, 2020. (Photo: NBC Washington/Shomari Stone)
Demonstrator kicks a burning dumpster outside of the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – MAY 29: A person loots a T-Mobile store near the White House, as protests continue following the death of George Floyd, in Washington on Friday, May 29, 2020. (Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators hold a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd in the early morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House as demonstrators gather to protest the killing of George Floyd in the morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: A demonstrator stands near a trash can fire near the White House while protesting the killing of George Floyd in the early morning hours on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest, were fired from the police department after a video of the arrest was circulated. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images
WASHINGTON,DC – MAY 31: Protests over the murder of George Floyd on May 31, 2020 near the White House in Washington, DC. (Photo by Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Broken coffee shop window is seen near to the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Broken coffee shop window is seen near to the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington D.C., during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by Jose Luis Magana / AFP) (Photo by JOSE LUIS MAGANA/AFP via Getty Images)
Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: A U.S. flag burns during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators gather around a fire during a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators set a fire and burn a U.S. flag during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Police hold a perimeter near the White House during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: Demonstrators stage a protest near the White House in response to the killing of George Floyd May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. ormer Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was fired then arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of killing Floyd by kneeling on his neck. Chauvin and three other officers, Tou Thao, J Alexander Kueng and Thomas K. Lane, were involved in Floyd’s arrest on an accusation of “forgery-in-progress”. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 31: A person comes walks through a broken glass door after the building was vandalized during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: A person takes items out of a coffee shop after the place was broken in to during a protest near the White House on May 31, 2020 in Washington, DC. Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was arrested for Floyd’s death and is accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck as he pleaded with him about not being able to breathe. Floyd was pronounced dead a short while later. Chauvin and three other officers, who were involved in the arrest. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
People walk past a damaged shop one block from the White House on May 30, 2020 in Washington DC, during a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for several minutes. – Clashes broke out and major cities imposed curfews as America began another night of unrest Saturday with angry demonstrators ignoring warnings from President Donald Trump that his government would stop violent protests over police brutality “cold.” (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
Large demonstrations protesting the death of George Floyd swept around the White House and Lafayette Park on Saturday, May 30, 2020 and into the night. (Photo: NBC Washington/Nick Leimbach)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Damage can be seen in Washington, DC on Sunday, May 31, 2020 after a night of protests following the death of George Floyd. (Photo: NBC Washington/Matt Glassman)
Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images
Washington,DC Mayor Muriel Bowser(C) walks with officials and the media on June 1, 2020 near the White House, looking at damaged property left by demonstrators protesting the death of George Floyd, in Washington, DC Sunday night. – Thousands of National Guard troops patrolled major US cities after five consecutive nights of protests over racism and police brutality that boiled over into arson and looting, sending shock waves through the country. The death Monday of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, at the hands of police in Minneapolis ignited this latest wave of outrage in the US over law enforcement’s repeated use of lethal force against African Americans — this one like others before captured on cellphone video. (Photo by Daniel SLIM / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Workers clean up Lafayette Park near the White House following overnight unrest, June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue across American following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 01: Workers clean graffiti off of an entrance sign to the AFL-CIO headquarters that was vandalized during overnight unrest, June 1, 2020 in Washington, DC. Protests and riots continue across American following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin, 44, was charged last Friday with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
D.C. held primary elections on Tuesday, complicated by the double whammy of a global pandemic and unrest.
Polls were set to stay open until 8 p.m., one hour after the curfew was set to take effect. Bowser said voters will be exempt from the curfew.
The District opened 20 voting centers and urged residents to vote by mail, a change made due to the coronavirus. Typically there are 144 voting centers in the city.
