Thousands of protesters fill streets of Providence, demanding justice for George Floyd

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)– Thousands of protesters have filled the streets of Providence Friday afternoon, demanding justice for George Floyd, the Minneapolis man killed while in the custody of a white police officer on Memorial Day.

Chanting “Black lives matter!” and “No justice, no peace!” the protesters assembled at various points around the city.

A number of people met at Central High School just before 4:30 and continued down Westminster Street before meeting up with a larger contingent at Kennedy Plaza downtown.

A march now continues up Francis Street, with protesters filling up most of the street as they continue toward the State House, were a speaking program is slated to start.

Even as many buildings were boarded up across the city in anticipation of unrest, Providence police had stated Thursday that the protest is expected to be peaceful.

Unofficial crowd estimates ranged from 7,000 to 9,000, with witnesses claiming it was the biggest rally in the city’s history.

By late Friday night, Providence police reported only four arrests. According to Commander Thomas Verdi, one man was arrested after he attempted to drive a motorcycle into police, after a group  of protesters continued marching through the city’s Federal Hill neighborhood.

Despite tense moments, the protest was considered peaceful by both police and those participating.

This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the evening.