Protests in Brooklyn Center remain calm as Saturday night curfew goes in effect
Protesters chant at the security fence set up around the Brooklyn Center Police Department. (FOX 9)
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (FOX 9) - The seventh night of protests in Brooklyn Center following the death of Daunte Wright has remained calm through the evening and as a late-night curfew went into effect.
Wright was killed nearly a week ago when he was shot by a Brooklyn Center police officer who apparently mistook her gun for her Taser. That officer, Kim Potter, has since resigned from the force and has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Demonstrations on Thursday went off fairly smoothly, as police moved back away from fencing put up around the police department on Humboldt Avenue.
But on Friday, while police stayed back from the fence, officials say some members of the crowd tried to breach the fencing. That resulted in law enforcement agencies firing less-lethal munitions and eventually calling dispersal orders before pushing in and making arrests.
On Saturday, protesters were greeted by two of the biggest voices in the fight for civil rights: Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rep. Maxine Waters.
National Guard members, as part of Operation Safety Net, stand outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department on Saturday evening, as some protesters have already gathered.
Jackson greeted protesters earlier in the evening during a barbeque while Rep. Waters gave an impromptu press conference later in the night, urging demonstrators to take their fight to the polls and vote for change.
As of midnight, only a small group remained at the police department.