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I’m at Skateland’s parking lot in Des Moines, where protesors in and around the city have been told to meet for a planned statewide action between @DesMoinesBLM and Iowa Freedom Riders.
Follow this thread for more coverage @DMRegister
Follow this thread for more coverage @DMRegister
“The goal today is to show the state gov. and all the local govs. that this movement is well coordinated and it’s unified. We have connections not just all over the state, but all over the country and all over the world,” prominent Des Moines BLM organizer Matthew Bruce said.
“We want to show Iowa just how capable this movement is,” Bruce continued.
A couple hundred are here waiting for direction from activists. I was told they are announcing the plan shortly.
The march is about to begin
Organizers are practicing medic signs with protestors to signal if someone needs help.
Organizers are also asking protestors not to lash out unprovoked, as it poses danger to themselves, their family, and the movement as a whole.
Organizers are also asking protestors not to lash out unprovoked, as it poses danger to themselves, their family, and the movement as a whole.
Their demands:
Protests are singing “we’re ready for y’all”
Police on Meredith and Merle Hay
We are heading towards Interstate 80/35. Police are waiting there in riot gear.
Iowa Freedom Riders already announced this afternoon they’d be making their way to interstate 80 in Iowa City tonight
Iowa Freedom Riders already announced this afternoon they’d be making their way to interstate 80 in Iowa City tonight
Protests chanting: “Y’all can’t scare us.”
Police told organizers they need a permit. The march is no longer heading at the interstate. Organizers said for safety purposes, they will now be marching into residential areas.
Other protestors are not having it.
Police told organizers they need a permit. The march is no longer heading at the interstate. Organizers said for safety purposes, they will now be marching into residential areas.
Other protestors are not having it.
Middle ground: they are going to approach the interstate, and disperse if needed.
“We’re tired of y’all telling us where we can and can’t go, how we can or can’t protest,” Bruce said.
“Des Moines is not a city, it’s a people. We are it’s people.”
“We’re tired of y’all telling us where we can and can’t go, how we can or can’t protest,” Bruce said.
“Des Moines is not a city, it’s a people. We are it’s people.”
Currently:
Protesters are approaching the interstate. Police are still there in riot gear, maintaining formation.
“No police on stolen land,” protests chant.
Protesters approaching slowly.
“Hands up, don’t shoot.”
“Why are you in riot gear, I don’t see no riot here”
“Why are you in riot gear, I don’t see no riot here”
Follow @hillarymojeda for the statewide action on Iowa Freedom Rider’s end in Iowa City:
https://twitter.com/hillarymojeda/status/1275229451455004680?s=21 https://twitter.com/hillarymojeda/status/1275229451455004680
https://twitter.com/hillarymojeda/status/1275229451455004680?s=21 https://twitter.com/hillarymojeda/status/1275229451455004680
So far everything has remained peaceful tonight in Des Moines. Protesters are now about 30 or so feet away from the police formation
