Black Lives Matter Protest Happening In Burke

BURKE, VA — A Black Lives Matter protest is set to happen Thursday afternoon in Burke after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody.

The group, which communicates through Instagram, will hold the event at Burke Centre Parkway and Roberts Road around 4 p.m. A description of the event says it hopes to provide a local platform to "voice disagreement against systematic racism and oppression the black community has had to face in the form of a peaceful protest."

The group says violence and other destructive means are not allowed. Masks are encouraged due to the pandemic.

Attendees are asked to remain on the sidewalk along westbound Burke Centre Parkway and not enter the street or shopping center. At 4:10 p.m., the protesters will hold a nine-minute moment of silence, the approximate time an officer keeps a knee on Floyd's neck in the video that gained national attention.

Due to high interest in the event, the group has been coordinating with Fairfax County Police and the Burke Centre Conservancy. According to the group, the West Springfield District Police Station commander will be monitoring the area and can be reached if someone disrupts the protest or an officer is "less than professional."

Burke Centre Conservancy asked residents to use caution when traveling around the intersection.

Due to possible severe weather Thursday evening, the group is asked to disperse by 7 p.m.