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Protestors gather Friday in Wilmington

Tom Byrne
/
Delaware Public Media

Protestors gathered in Wilmington at Tubman-Garrett park Friday evening to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement and protest police brutality.

The protest was scheduled for 6 p.m. and police had streets blocked off several hours in advance, limiting access to much of the city's downtown area.

Credit Sophia Schmidt / Delaware Public Media
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Delaware Public Media

Some groups stood on street corners handing out free waters and food for protestors.   

The crowd initially formed at the park and several elected officials were seen with protestors including Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings, City Council member Rysheema Dixon and Zanthia Oliver and State Sen. Tizzy Lockman (D-Wilmington).

The crowd, as planned, began marching towards the Courthouse on King Street where speakers led the crowd in chants.

Credit Tom Byrne / Delaware Public Media
/
Delaware Public Media

At approximately 6:20 rain started to pour along with sound of thunder, but crowds were undeterred and chanted "No justice, no peace." 

Credit Sophia Schmidt / Delaware Public Media
/
Delaware Public Media

Several people shared stories about family members who have been murdered by police and also shared their support for black businesses. Speakers also led more chants from the crowd, yelling, "Don't shoot!"

The rain stopped and started periodically and the crowd finally dispersed around 7:30 p.m. 

Credit Rachel Sawicki / Delaware Public Media
/
Delaware Public Media

Several people returned to their cars to leave, but others continue to march to the Wilmington Riverfront with a group eventually making its way to I-95 according to Jeanne Kuang from DelawareOnline on Twitter.

It's the second time in a week protesters have temporarily halted traffic on I-95.  A group made its way to the highway last Saturday, closing the road.

Tom Byrne has been a fixture covering news in Delaware for three decades. He joined Delaware Public Media in 2010 as our first news director and has guided the news team ever since. When he's not covering the news, he can be found reading history or pursuing his love of all things athletic.
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