#ICANTBREATH protest for George Floyd ended peacefully in Downtown Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn — Many people are gathering across the country to participate in protests, some of which are peaceful, for the racially unjust killings of Americans, specifically African Americans.

Memphians are protesting for the third time this week, and the second time tonight at the FedEx Forum following the death of George Floyd that happened over the Memorial holiday weekend.

GALLERY: Photos: Memphians host peaceful protest following nationwide outrage of the death of George Floyd

UPDATE: (11:09 p.m.) The protest has peacefully ended.

UPDATE: (10:20 p.m.) Shelby County Commissioner Tami Sawyer joined the protest and is speaking to the crowd.

NOW: Commissioner @tamisawyer talking to the crowd. She was behind the #TakeEmDown901 effort to remove Confederate statues in public places in Memphis. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/KEOhR2oybS
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (10:05 p.m) As of now, the protest has lasted 4 hours and there have been no reports of injuries, looting, or arrests.

Memphis.
Night three.
Things have remained peaceful.
We’ve seen MPD at intersections blocking the streets for protesters. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/xyetGbQJo8
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (10:03 p.m.) There are over 200 people attending the march.

There’s more than 200 people at this point - the crowd grows the longer the protester march. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/NcDNJX2e8Y
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

Crowd is now back on Beale Street. We’ve made a full circle. Crowd is chanting “whose street, our streets” @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/LAhMpsLsx4
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (9:12 p.m.) On the move again! The march started at the FedEx Forum, then moved to Beale Street, and now its at City Hall.

Walking down BB King right now. You can hear the crowd chanting #GeorgeFloyd @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/7M9Yi7hLUR
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (8:41 p.m.) The march has moved from the FedEx Forum to Beale Street.

We’re on the move. The crowd heads down Beale Street chanting “Black Lives Matter.” @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/DhkPTZhhR5
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

NOW: The crowd has moved from the FedEx Forum to Beale Street. At one point, the crowd took a knee and kneeled in the street. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/oWmDLHR5do
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

face masks with slogan of a movement handed out tonight at Memphis rally against police brutality. pic.twitter.com/uUkg7PRxqI
— Greg Coy (@GCoyFOX13) May 30, 2020

Update (8:36 p.m.) MPD left a message on how to successfully protest with hopes of not having any arrests or injuries in tonight’s march.

In the video, Michael Rallings said, " I only ask that any future protests be conducted peacefully and lawfully. Know that your police department should not be represented by the actions of officers in Minneapolis. Know that your police department supports justice being served. Know that your police department stands with you and not against you, however as law enforcement officers we have a duty to maintain peace and order."

Tune in to the Memphis Police Department's message to citizens concerning peaceful protest.https://t.co/GyITM2e9YU
— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) May 30, 2020

Maggie says “Get mad white people!” She says more white people need to join the fight against racism. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/OHzwGytPDy
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

Another view of the crowd that has grown over the last 30 minutes. Right now protesters are addressing the crowd one by one.
One man just said “We gotta stick together point blank!” @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/mlo4I0PtcT
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (7:08 p.m.) BB King, George W Lee and parts of MLK Blvd roads are blocked off due to the protest.

Also worth noting, there are several road closures near the FedEx forum. BB King & George W Lee is blocked off along with parts of MLK Blvd. @FOX13Memphis
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (7:00 p.m.) The protest has begun.

Hill adds he doesn’t want anyone to go to jail tonight. He says if counter-protesters come tonight, he’s urging the crowd not to pay them any attention. @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/lynysPwDyk
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 30, 2020

UPDATE: (6:57 p.m.) People start gathering outside the FedEx Forum in preparation for the protest organized by Rev. Devante Hill.

NOW: Dozens have gathered outside the FedEx Forum for another night of protests. Organizer Devante Hill says tonight is about showing unity for Minneapolis. He says “if you want to set something on fire, this isn’t your protest.” @FOX13Memphis pic.twitter.com/skWdA8w74L
— Kirstin Garriss (@ReporterGarriss) May 29, 2020

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