Update: 8:00 p.m.
Additional closures have taken place on the Milwaukee interstate system this evening due to protests.
Family and friends of Joel Acevedo, along with community activists, gathered outside the home of Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli to speak about the arrest and charge against Mattioli.
They then made their way north on South 43rd Street/Miller Park Way until a law enforcement presence blocked their path at National Avenue. After about 30 minutes, protestors made their way east on National.
Intersection of National Avenue and Miller Park Way is clearing. Police still have it blocked following a group of protestors but about half of MCSO that was on scene has left. Protests moving EB on national. pic.twitter.com/MHB8ed0jmp
— Michael Spaulding (@MikeWTMJ) May 30, 2020
The scene right now at Cesar Chavez Drive/National. Protest continues to make its way towards downtown pic.twitter.com/ojmiETfJL1
— Michael Spaulding (@MikeWTMJ) May 30, 2020
Parts of I-94 between the Marquette and Zoo interchanges were blocked to traffic for about an hour. The DOT tells WTMJ is was not due to any accident, as sheriff’s deputies were escorting traffic off around 25th and 70th streets. All lanes has since reopened.
Get the latest traffic information HERE.
Update: 4:35 p.m.
The march continues north on 12th Street, then northwest on Fond du Lac Avenue as they head toward the original gathering site for the protests.
To this moment, all protests have been peaceful – even despite some tense moments with law enforcement on and near I-43.
A second march has been announced for noon in Milwaukee at Veterans Park.
Watch below (WARNING: Graphic content at some points):
Update: 4:15 p.m.
As protesters walked westward from I-43 downtown, they walked among drivers leaving the downtown area, tying up some traffic.
Update: 4:11 p.m.
Protesters are on the move again, walking north on 10th Street past the Milwaukee County Courthouse to an overpass over I-43.
Update: 4:02 p.m.
Hundreds of protesters have moved to the western facade of the Milwaukee County Courthouse.
Most protesters have been wearing masks, but have not been physical distancing to protect against coronavirus.
Update: 3:56 p.m.
From our Alex Crowe:
Police asking protesters to disperse from in front of the Milwaukee County Courthouse. pic.twitter.com/5pLvjde7z3
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Scene outside the Milwaukee County Courthouse right now. @620wtmj pic.twitter.com/JnXT5tnIA4
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Update: 3:52 p.m.
Protesters have gathered at the Milwaukee County Courthouse’s doors. They have gone right underneath the sign that says “justice.”
Law enforcement in riot-control gear have patrolled the scene, but all confrontations and protests have been peaceful.
Update: 3:38 p.m.
Marchers have reached the Milwaukee County Courthouse. WTMJ’s Alex Crowe reports no violence so far during the event.
Protest moving past Milwaukee Municipal Court. @620wtmj pic.twitter.com/mlBU2tU5sS
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Update: 3:34 p.m.
Protesters have reached the area of Fiserv Forum and MATC, near the corner of North 6th Street and West Highland Boulevard. WTMJ’s Alex Crowe reports hundreds have taken part in the march, with many joining the march after its origination near 27th and Center.
Update: 3:26 p.m.
Marchers are now heading on north-south streets from the I-43 ramps to downtown Milwaukee, headed toward Fiserv Forum.
Update: 3:22 p.m.
Protesters are walking off of the freeway now. WTMJ’s Alex Crowe says marchers were showing frustration, but no violent incidents during the march so far.
Update: 3:17 p.m.
Protesters are walking among traffic on I-43 near North Avenue in what has been described as a tense scene. Some drivers are stuck in traffic as protesters take to the lanes of traffic.
Blocked at Meinecke near I-43 on ramp pic.twitter.com/UpF6544ZOH
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Update: 3:06 p.m.
Some marchers have blocked I-43 northbound just north of downtown Milwaukee. They have also blocked off ramps to North Avenue.
Law enforcement are protecting the scene and blocking streets for the marchers. All actions to this moment have been peaceful, but WTMJ’s Alex Crowe reports a more tense scene with the presence of police on scene.
Police and protesters stand off in Milwaukee. @620wtmj pic.twitter.com/L4vhm6xL7I
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Protest headed towards the I-43 on ramp in Milwaukee. @620wtmj pic.twitter.com/FmW0fAud0e
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Update: 1:27 p.m.
A demonstration is underway near the Wisconsin Black Historical Society at the corner of North 27th and West Center Streets. Protesters are demanding justice for the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, for which a fired police officer has been arrested.
Watch protests in Milwaukee below (WARNING: GRAPHIC LANGUAGE):
WTMJ’s Alex Crowe also is on scene covering the event:
Crowd starting to grow at 27th and Center in Milwaukee. “We can’t afford another George Floyd.” Cars passing by honking in support. @620wtmj pic.twitter.com/EwsVKbtKAd
— Alex Crowe (@AlexCrowe38) May 29, 2020
Original story: 6:42 a.m. Friday
Demonstrations are taking place across the country over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Leaders in Milwaukee are asking those who make their voice heard locally, do so peacefully.
A rally organized by the group Community Task Force MKE is set to take place outside the Wisconsin Black Historical Society at 1:00 Friday.