Dozens of protesters in the nation’s capital took refuge in the homes of local residents as the city enacted a 7 p.m. curfew. Protesters seemingly came to a standstill with law enforcement during late hours of the night at 15th & Swann street. Threatening to arrest anyone out past curfew, authorities forced protesters into the homes of welcoming strangers.
THE POLICE BOXED IN A GROUP OF PEACEFUL PROTESTERS AND THEN STARTED HITTING AND MACING PEOPLE. A MAN TOOK SOME OF US INTO HIS HOUSE AND THE POLICE HAVE US TRAPPED. THERE ARE PEOPLE STILL TRAPPED IN THE STREET ON 15th AND SWANN pic.twitter.com/H2B2QCup1o
— Meka (@MekaFromThe703) June 2, 2020
Overnight, some protesters reportedly cramped up to 40 people into one home. While inside, some demonstrators claimed that tear gas was thrown into their homes. Other protesters attempted to make due with limited food options for the duration of the 11 hour curfew.
While many were able to find shelter in the homes of welcoming residents, others were detained. At this time, it is unclear how many protesters were arrested. However, initial reports from eye witnesses claim there were up 150 people arrested.
DC, tonight MPD cops under the authority of @ChiefNewsham and @MayorBowser unleashed tear gas into a private home that took in dozens of protesters after they were cornered off for arrests in a neighborhood.
This is an absolutely disgusting abuse of power by @DCPoliceDept. pic.twitter.com/Rq7nYLiGNT
— Alex Taliadoros (@AlexCTaliadoros) June 2, 2020
Tomorrow, Washington, D.C. will put into place its curfew yet again. Demonstrators found in the streets of the nation’s capital are subject to arrest between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. The exceptions to this curfew include those voting in the city’s primary elections and designated workers.
