Route 8 In Bridgeport Reopens After Protestors Shut It Down

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Route 8 in Bridgeport was closed in both directions for more than three hours Saturday due to protestors gathered on the highway, according to state officials and media reports.

The highway was shutdown at 3:40 p.m. and reopened just before 8 p.m. Thousands marched in Connecticut on Saturday to peacefully protest police brutality and the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.

Billiejane Phengsy shared a video directly below, which shows hundreds of people standing and walking along Route 8.

Retired Hartford Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley, who is an executive aide to James Rovella, commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, said on social media that the "Peaceful demonstration in Bridgeport: With traffic shutdown for more than 3 hours and 3 CSP requests to clear the roadway or be arrested, 2 demonstrators agreed to be peacefully & respectfully charged. Likely Disorderly and PTA."

NBC CT shared several photos of the protest which can be seen here.

Connecticut State Police announced the highway closure and subsequent rerouting of traffic and added "Your voice will be heard!"

See also: Thousands Protest In CT Over Death Of George Floyd: Live Updates