Protesters march through Madison following weekend of civil unrest

MADISON, Wis. — Protesters gathered in front of the Madison Police Department’s downtown building Monday afternoon to speak out against systemic racism and the killing of George Floyd that has sparked nationwide protests and unrest.

Leaders from local groups Freedom Inc. and Urban Triage held a press conference at noon Monday to call on the Madison community to use their platforms to push community leaders to #DefendBlackLives and de-fund local law enforcement agencies.

The leaders said they are in favor of community-based work rather than traditional policing. Click here to find the group’s event page.

The organizations were also responsible for organizing the peaceful protest that took place Saturday afternoon. Many of the same speakers and leaders were present at both events.

Shortly after the press conference ended, a large group of protesters left the police station and began marching throughout downtown Madison.

The press conference and march came the day after police tear gassed people throughout downtown Madison as looters and vandals destroyed property, following peaceful protests earlier on Saturday and Sunday.

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CHANNEL 3000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS MATERIAL MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED, BROADCAST, REWRITTEN OR REDISTRIBUTED.