I am covering protests this evening in Downtown #Akron just hours after police released body camera footage showing the fatal shooting of #JaylandWalker. @beaconjournal
A march is planned to start at 6pm in Grace Park.
Marchers and a large car caravan is making its way through downtown. Chants can be heard from multiple city blocks away— “Jayland’s life matters.”
Protestors paused at Bowery and State.
The front of the march.
The protest today is larger. Hundreds of people are on the streets of Akron demanding justice for #JaylandWalker @beaconjournal
Protest has turned right onto Exchange.
Hearing from organizers that march is headed to the Highland Square neighborhood.
Protestors are marching down Copley. Was at Grace. Now at Storer.
Crowd has grown. Hundred of people and likely a hundred cars going towards Buchtel High right now.
Scene outside of Buchtel High. Davontae Winchester, on top of the van. “We are here for the Walker family.”
Fists in the air, a moment of silence for #JaylandWalker. @beaconjournal
Demetrius Travis, Sr., one of Jayland’s cousins, shares the last text messages between each other the weekend before he was shot and killed. @beaconjournal
More from family of #JaylandWalker after seeing the body cam footage earlier today:
The crowd marched to Packard and Lawton, near where Jayland’s grandmother lives. Another moment of silence.
Now, the crowd is arriving near the intersection of Portage Path and Copley.
The protestors are now downtown. This is Main and Cedar. @beaconjournal
High Street. On the move to the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center which is straight ahead. “Find the closest parking and go to the police station,” one demonstrators yells.
High Street is blocked off by snow plows as protestors demonstrate in front of Akron Police HQ. A sign above reads “We are Akron.”
A “Thin Blue Line” of light shining through one of the floors of #Akron Police HQ. @beaconjournal
Davontae Winchster tells the crowd to honor the Walker family’s wish: remain peaceful.
Protestors promptly kick this person out of the demonstration as he takes down a street sign. “You are not an ally.”
One protestor with a bat is walking around breaking windows to the plow trucks blocking off access. @beaconjournal
Tear gas has been thrown. Cops are in riot gear.
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