PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland protests continued Thursday over the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Protesters continue to march, not just for Floyd, but for all the injustice the black community faces.
Like the demonstrations in the days before Thursday, thousands gathered at Revolution Hall in Southeast Portland before marching toward downtown for a large gathering with speakers. But unlike previous nights, protesters were joined by Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, one of Portland's greatest ambassadors.
Here's a timeline of Thursday night's peaceful activity.
Real-time Updates
5 a.m.
Hours after Thursday's peaceful protest ended, Portland police said some people began lighting fires downtown, blocking streets and street racing. Police said they made 12 arrests and towed three cars because their occupants were breaking the law between 1:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. Friday. By 4 a.m., the crowd had dispersed.
"For another night, thousands of peaceful demonstrators were able to demonstrate, march, and express their First Amendments rights in a safe manner. We thank them once again for managing a successful event," said Portland Police Bureau Chief Jami Resch. "Several hundred others remained downtown after the primary group left. This group engaged in criminal activities despite repeated warnings to stop. Officers did a fantastic job of safely and effectively stopping several involved vehicles and occupants and effecting arrests. We will continue to facilitate free speech and assembly and focus efforts on arresting those who engage in criminal activity that reduces our public safety."
12:15 a.m.
According to The Oregonian, the crowd outside the Multnomah County Justice Center sang Happy Birthday to Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was killed inside her home by police in Louisville, Kentucky. She would have been 27 on Friday.
11:45 p.m.
Police say a large crowd of demonstrators remains outside the Justice Center while others have left to march elsewhere downtown.
11:20 p.m.
Video taken by Blair Stenvick with the Portland Mercury shows a drumline pumping up some of the protesters outside the Justice Center in downtown.
11:05 p.m.
KGW's Mike Benner says he asked demonstrators how long they plan to keep protesting on a nightly basis. The protesters told him not anytime soon and that the cause is much greater than their fatigue.
10:40 p.m.
Portland police say most of the crowd who gathered at Waterfront Park is crossing the Morrison Bridge and heading back to the city's eastside.
10:30 p.m.
The crowd at 3rd and Main begins clashing with police. Police allege that projectiles are being thrown and demonstrators are climbing the fence.
Meanwhile, KGW's Mike Benner reports the rally at Waterfront Park has come to an end.
10 p.m.
Hundreds have gathered out front of the Multnomah Justice Center as they have on previous nights. A fence stands between demonstrators and police.
9:40 p.m.
Protesters continue to assemble peacefully in Waterfront Park. However, police say that "criminal activity" is taking place at 3rd and Maine by a second group that has gathered. Police advise the peaceful group to stay at Waterfront Park for the time being.
8:40 p.m.
Thousands are gathered and peacefully protesting at Waterfront Park. Several activists have spoken to the crowd.
8:20 p.m.
Protesters have gathered at Waterfront Park.
7:30 p.m.
The Trail Blazers tweet footage of Damian Lillard walking with protesters in Portland.
RELATED: Damian Lillard marches with protesters in Portland over George Floyd's death, police brutality
7:20 p.m.
Thousands of protesters marched from Revolution Hall across the Morrison Bridge toward downtown.
6:30 p.m.
People began gathering at Revolution Hall, including Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
4:30 p.m.
Portland Fire and Rescue said it was moved by the peaceful protests on Wednesday. One of its boats will do a fountain display for protesters to say hello as they march.
4 p.m.
On Thursday, the demonstrations began with finishing touches on a mural, painted at the boarded up Apple Store by a young muralist named Emma Berger. He painted the faces of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, the Louisville woman who was shot by police in her own home as they looked for someone who was already in police custody and did not live at her home. No one has been arrested in that case.
