Thread by @aeringle

Hello, I’m back in the field reporting on tonight’s #rvaprotests for @theCT. Follow this thread for updates.

Here’s a group of protesters at Madison and Grace facing off with a police line. Some are hanging off a large truck blocking the road.

This group of demonstrators is smaller than the one that gathered at the police HQ last night, when RPD and VSP deployed pepper spray on protesters.

When I stopped filming this, a loud pop was heard from where police are standing in the parking garage. Unconfirmed reports say police are using rubber bullets on protesters who are aiming lasers into the garage.

The police force responding to tonight’s demonstrations is also smaller than last night’s. Here’s the officers currently facing off with demonstrators outside the HQ.

More police surround the RPD HQ parking garage.

The group I’m with is sticking together and moving through alleys near the HQ. I assume we’re heading for the other side of the building.

Police are using explosives and smoke on demonstrators. I have a lot of videos and it is very hectic here.

This escalated very quickly. I have more videos of RPD using pepper spray and smoke on protesters. Currently shaking, @hannaheason_ and I are safe.

Police backed me and others up against a wall as I filmed them spraying us and throwing explosives. Two protesters that I didn’t get the names of shielded me with umbrellas. Thank you to those guys

Sorry if this thread is confusing; I’m confused as well. We had just arrived at the other end of the police hq when officers grabbed a protester... then nothing but smoke and spray in a matter of seconds.

This place just sold me new masks. I thanked the owners for staying open so close to demonstrations. He said “we’re in the same boat now.”

A source who wishes to remain anonymous tells me it’s Virginia State Police, not RPD, that’s guarding the police HQ tonight. I’ll work on confirming that.

The group of protesters has split up in several different directions. Some/most headed back toward VCU in small groups saying “we’ll be back tomorrow.” Around 50 others stayed back and continue to face police at the HQ.

Here’s all who remain near the HQ. Those who are leaving are calling to the group to follow, saying they have to keep moving.

I got as close as I could to the officers who are stacked deep at the HQ. We’re leaving now to follow the group back toward Monroe Park.

Back in Monroe Park now. Someone in the group with a bullhorn just gave protesters permission to go home. The group seems uncertain and a little shaken up, but many are resting and passing out waters.

Demonstrators have regrouped at the park, and some are now suggesting the group return to the police HQ. They’re debating where to go and sharing stories from the night.

On the move again, heading back in the direction of the police headquarters from Monroe Park.

The group is now approaching a police line blocking Madison Street. Someone with a bullhorn is sharing the number for @RVABailFund “in case you get arrested.”

Protesters approach police in complete silence on Madison outside of the Davis Market.

I’m going live. Police and protesters are standing off in silence.

Trying to head home and work on copy, but a quick update from RPD HQ: Police have moved from their line blocking the street and the stand off I caught on live has ended.

My camera lens is soaked, but here’s my last shot of the demonstrators who remain near the RPD HQ. Around 50 remain, and police are repeating an order to disperse through a speaker. Heading home to work on my story.

I’m back home now. If you’re new to my page, here’s two other @theCT journalists who have been covering protests in Richmond for weeks now:

@hannaheason_ and @edace2936. Shoutouts all around to my team tonight. Thank you for following!

Here’s mine and @hannaheason_’s recap of the night for @theCT. I’ll post more videos I got of the police response when I wake up. Goodnight. commonwealthtimes.org/2020/06/16/exp…