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After a day of peaceful protests in Fredericksburg, a change at night

by | Jun 1, 2020 | Police and Fire

From Fredericksburg City Police:

Earlier this evening, approximately 250 to 300 people gathered in Market Square in downtown Fredericksburg for a protest. The protest then moved to Princess Anne Street where participants blocked both lanes of traffic and traveled on foot in the direction of Route 1. It is reported protesters struck and pounded on parked vehicles as they walked on Princess Anne Street. When the protesters arrived at Route 1, they blocked northbound and southbound lanes kneeling on one knee and then walked southbound towards Cowan Boulevard. During the protesters’ 30-minute movement from Princess Anne Street to Cowan Boulevard, Fredericksburg Police Officers were present and declared an unlawful assembly. Officers continued to ask protesters to leave the area which they ignored. At approximately 8:34 p.m., when the protesters arrived at the intersection of Route One and Cowan Boulevard, they made a straight line for Police Headquarters at which time officers deployed gas.

As of 10:30 p.m. this evening, police are addressing several groups of disruptive protesters in the downtown district. Some of the groups are throwing rocks at officers. Officers continue to declare an unlawful assembly to each group they encounter and continue to request they leave the area. Fredericksburg Police ask that residents of the downtown district shelter in place until further notice.

No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

The Fredericksburg Police Department will remain on heavy patrol the remainder of the night.

Fredericksburg Police would like to thank the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office, the University of Mary Washington Police Department, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police for sending law enforcement to assist.

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