Protestors gather outside Governor Raimondo’s home

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE): A group of protestors is gathered outside Governor Raimondo’s home in Providence calling to defund the police.

The protest organized by the group “Prov X” began at the State House on Saturday evening. Among a list of demands, the group wants officials to cut funding to the Providence Police Department by 70%.

Protestors were heard chanting Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old African American fatally shot by Louisville police officers in her apartment.

Activists were also outspoken about the task force hotline set up by State Police, allowing anyone to report large gatherings over 15 people.

“It’s very obvious the type of people that are going to be calling this hotline,” Amanda “Brooklyn” Toussaint, a protestor, said. “It’s going to be individuals looking to break up mostly youthful gatherings that have meaning, like protests. Maybe have unarmed people respond to these calls that actually are equipped to talk to people, and not escalate, but de-escalate.”

Protestors said they want $61.6 million to be put towards affordable housing, education, healthcare, mental health, and other social services, instead of the police department.