After weeks of anticipation, the Iowa City Council was set to vote Tuesday on a package of answers to the Iowa Freedom Riders’ demands. The…
After weeks of anticipation, the Iowa City Council was set to vote Tuesday on a package of answers to the Iowa Freedom Riders’ demands. The session was the culmination of weeks of demonstrations drawing thousands into the streets of Iowa City.
Saturday, May 30 – Hundreds of protesters gather in front of Old Capitol in reaction to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died May 25 while in the custody of Minneapolis police.
Sunday, May 31 – Coralville police make several arrests at the Coralville Walmart store. A crowd forms after shouting « black lives matter. »
Monday, June 1 – Coralville Mayor John Lundell declares a curfew. That evening, 50 people meet at the Coralville Police Department to rally against police violence. That night, protesters marched throughout downtown Iowa City.
Tuesday, June 2 – More than 200 protesters march toward Johnson County buildings like the jail and Health and Human Services building. Iowa City police allege that protesters threw rocks and water bottles at officers standing guard. Officers said they responded with pepper spray. In addition, protesters damage some windows at Iowa City Hall. That night, protesters paint the Old Capitol with graffiti.
Wednesday, June 3 – Iowa City police, assisting Iowa State Patrol, use tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse protesters marching toward Interstate 80.
