Fourth day of protest in Madison shuts down Beltline

MADISON, Wis. — A group in Madison protesting over the death of George Floyd caused rolling closures throughout the Beltline’s westbound lanes Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

Madison police said the protesters began at John Nolen Drive at about 2:15 p.m. and eventually made their way toward Highway 51 and Middleton. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said all lanes reopened at 3:34 p.m.

Traffic disruptions on West Beltline Highway now extending toward Middleton. Again situation is fluid with traffic lanes opening and closing based on safety.

— Madison Police (@madisonpolice) June 2, 2020

Officials said the situation was fluid, with some protesters walking and others driving in vehicles. Authorities closed and reopened the lanes as a safety measure.

The latest actions came after a third night of violence gripped downtown Madison, with protesters spray painting graffiti on the state Capitol and nearby buildings, dumping paint on the beloved “Forward” statue and breaking into boarded up businesses.

Police in riot gear for a third night used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Gov. Tony Evers on Tuesday called for the Legislature to pass a law to reduce the use of police force and urged a united battle against racism.

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