US: BLM march and general strike in Washington state June 12 /update 2

Event

The Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County organization has called for supporters to join statewide action including a silent march and a general strike on Friday, June 12. Participants of the march are expected to gather at 13:00 (local time) at Judkins Park in the Central district of Seattle (Washington state). The march is scheduled to start at 14:00; participants will march along 23rd Avenue South towards Jefferson Park in Beacon Hill. Organizers are encouraging the public to observe social distancing measures, to wear face masks, and continue hygiene measures amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. The general strike has been planned for individuals across the state who will not be participating in the planned march; those partaking are expected to either not attend work or not work from home. Further information can be found here.

Additional gatherings and protests are possible across the state on Friday. A heightened security presence is to be expected. 

Context

Nationwide demonstrations denouncing racial inequality have been held in a number of cities across the US in recent weeks, sparked by the police-involved death of George Floyd. George Floyd died while being arrested by Minneapolis police officers on May 25. The four arresting police officers were subsequently fired, and one has since been charged with murder. Black Lives Matter (BLM) supporters gathered on May 26 to denounce the death, and actions of the police officers. Clashes ensued between protesters and riot police; with demonstrators throwing bricks and projectiles at police and police property, and police responding with tear gas and rubber bullets as they attempted to disperse the crowds.

Advice

Individuals in Washington state are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.

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