Colorado Legislature Halts Sessions After George Floyd Protests

DENVER, CO — The Colorado legislature won't be in session Friday and Saturday after protests at the Capitol building became destructive, Speaker KC Becker and House Majority Leader Alec Garnett confirmed Friday. The legislature was halted more than two months ago when the coronavirus outbreak hit, and returned Tuesday. Lawmakers were planning to work on solving major budget issues Friday and Saturday.

Hundreds of people gathered in Denver Thursday night to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died earlier this week while in custody of Minneapolis police.

Aerial footage and reports from the scene showed several protesters smashing the windows out of at least two vehicles parked outside the Capitol, and others spray-painted graffiti on the Capitol steps. Several Capitol building windows were smashed, according to multiple reports. At least one person was reportedly taken to the hospital.

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“I feel a deep sense of grief for our great city, and for all our communities who are experiencing profound pain, anger and sadness,” Garnett said in a statement.

“I know our city is hurting tonight, and I hope that our grief turns into peaceful action, rather than vandalism and violence. To allow space for protests that we expect to continue on Friday and into the weekend, the House will not convene tomorrow or Saturday.”

Floyd was identified in a video that showed him gasping for breath while a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for almost eight minutes. In footage recorded by a bystander, Floyd pleads that he cannot breathe until he slowly stops talking and moving.

The video quickly went viral, sparking nationwide protests calling for police reform and demanding justice for Floyd.

“Tonight, the pain and rage brought on by the death of yet another black man in America at the hands of law enforcement came to a boiling point in Denver,” said Black Caucus Chair Rep. Leslie Herod.

“What began as a peaceful call for justice after the death of George Floyd and far too many others before him turned to chaos when the shots rang. By the end of the night, highways were taken over and protestors had been targeted and intentionally run over. My heart breaks for our community, our city, and our nation tonight.”

During the Denver protests, police confirmed shots were fired at West Colfax Avenue and West 15th Street near the Capitol. No injuries were reported.

On Thursday, Minneapolis saw its third day of violent protests and looting. Another protest was announced for Thursday evening near county offices in downtown Minneapolis, and demonstrations also broke out in neighboring St. Paul. Buildings burned, windows were smashed, and property destroyed.

Some stores in Minneapolis and the suburbs closed early, fearing more strife. The city shut down its light-rail system and all bus service out of safety concerns. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz also activated the National Guard to deal with the events.

Colorado's legislature is scheduled to convene Monday.

The Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center will also be closed until Monday due to demonstrations in Denver, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Friday.

Mayor Michael Hancock and leaders with Denver Public Schools were scheduled to honor graduating seniors Friday afternoon, but the event has been canceled.

"Details on how the city will recognize the DPS Class of 2020 will be provided at a later date," the city said in a public notice.

Patch Editor Megan VerHelst contributed to this report.

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