Denver Protests Day 5: More Than 1,000 March After Curfew

DENVER, CO — Day five of protests in Denver looked different from the previous days — while more than 1,000 people defied the curfew Monday night and stayed in the downtown area after 9 p.m., protesters were peaceful and appeared more organized.

Hundreds of protesters got down on one knee at 9 p.m. and held eight minutes and 46 seconds of silence — the amount of time that a police officer, Derek Chauvin, knelt on George Floyd's neck. Floyd died in police custody in Minneapolis May 25.

Other than many fireworks going off in Denver after the curfew, crowds continued to march peacefully, and each time police loud speakers warned of the curfew, many protesters got down on one knee and were silent, according to many livestreams.

By 10:30 p.m., hundreds of people remained in Denver's downtown area, but unlike the previous four days, protesters were not clashing with police. Protesters appeared more organized, and some groups were handing out hand sanitizer and even controlling rowdier protesters.

By early Tuesday morning, the protest near the Capitol became more violent, and dozens of people were arrested for failing to obey the curfew. Some protesters reportedly shot fireworks at police.

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Denver Police Chief Paul Pazen linked arms with protesters earlier in the day and marched through the downtown area in an effort to show his support for peaceful protests.

Mayor Michael Hancock announced an extension of the city's curfew, which will be in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday morning.

Hundreds of protesters ignored the curfew Saturday and Sunday night in Denver and clashed with police. Many protesters were seen throwing Molotov cocktails, fireworks and rocks at city buildings and officers. Police confiscated assault rifles, handguns, crow bars, baseball bats and other weapons, the city said.

Windows were broken on many public and private buildings over the weekend, and videos and photos show protesters spraying graffiti on statues, monuments and the Capitol. Business owners were seen trying to protect their stores after windows were broken Sunday night.

Between Thursday night and Monday morning, at least 284 people were arrested amid the protests, the city said. In addition to curfew violation charges, many protesters face assault, arson, felony weapons and criminal mischief charges.

Ambulances were attacked "numerous times" during the protests since Thursday, Denver Health Paramedics said. The ambulances and their crews have been out helping injured protesters and members of public safety agencies.

More than 400 volunteers were working to clean up Civic Center Park Monday after the destruction.

An FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has been deployed to Denver to charge those who violate federal law.

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Floyd was identified in a video that showed him gasping for breath while Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for more than 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.

Chauvin and three other officers involved in the fatal incident were fired, and Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.