Multiple arrests were made on Monday, June 1 after protests in Little Rock.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson told reporters that the Arkansas State Police (ASP) had arrested five Arkansas residents during protests in Little Rock. However, a State Police spokesman told Arkansas Money & Politics that four individuals had been arrested last night.
According to multiple media outlets, protestors marched east from the Arkansas State Capitol around 10 a.m. when a new city curfew was to take place. During this time, buildings were reportedly spray-painted with graffiti and buildings sustained damage when windows and doors were broken. According to a report from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the state police fired tear gas into a crowd of several hundred individuals.
“I did observe last night. While it was a peaceful protest that I appreciate and value, up until about 10 p.m. There were those that turned violent and those that turned to destruction of property,” Hutchinson said.
This was the third consecutive night that Little Rock has seen protests. Nationwide, there have been protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25 when the officer kept his knee on Floyd’ neck.
Hutchinson addressed the protests during a press conference on Monday, June 1. He said that he recognized “the outrage, the disappointment, the fear and the distrust”in the African American community. He had previously activated the Arkansas National Guard in response to reports of property destruction.
Hutchinson said that the Arkansas State Police and Little Rock Police Department officers are expected to maintain a presence in downtown Little Rock.
“I expect if that conduct continues and destruction or violent activities, they will be prepared to make arrests as necessary,” he said.
READ MORE: Hutchinson – ‘I Understand the Outrage, Distrust;’ Recognizes Peaceful Protests