AUSTIN, Texas — Editor's note: This story is no longer being updated.
Thursday, June 4, marks a week's worth of protests against police brutality in Downtown Austin. The protests have been the public's response to the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Michael Ramos in Austin.
Floyd died in police custody last week, and Ramos died after an Austin police officer fired his rifle at him in late April.
During a special session meeting Thursday, the Austin Justice Coalition called on the Austin City Council to defund the Austin Police Department and invest that money into resources for black and brown communities. Many protesters also talked about Austin police during the meeting.
Here's a look at KVUE's daily Austin protest coverage so far:
- Friday, May 29: 'Several arrests' made as protesters shut down area near Austin Police Department in downtown
- Saturday, May 30: Saturday protests in Downtown Austin end in reports of looting, fires
- Sunday, May 31: Nearly 30 arrests made in relation to Sunday protests, police say
- Monday, June 1: Austin police, protesters embrace in fourth night of protests
- Tuesday, June 2: More Downtown Austin protests marked fifth straight day of George Floyd demonstrations
- Wednesday, June 3: 6th straight day of protests take place in Downtown Austin
Here are the latest protest updates for Thursday.
12:10 a.m. – KVUE's Bryce Newberry spoke with a protester who was hit by a less-lethal round from police over the weekend. He explained what changes he'd like to see.
11 p.m. – KVUE's Luis de Leon spoke live with two protesters, who told him what brought them out this week and what they'd like to see change.
10:40 p.m. – KVUE's Molly Oak is live outside APD headquarters.
10 p.m. – Protesters marched on Sixth Street and then headed down Red River Street before turning on Seventh Street toward Interstate Highway 35.
9:25 p.m. – A group of protesters has arrived on the Congress Avenue bridge.
8:40 p.m. – Protesters knocked down two barricades outside APD headquarters as they chanted, "March with us."
8:23 p.m. – As some protesters shouted "Quit your job" and "defund APD," some more Austin police officers began kneeling. KVUE's Luis De Leon was live.
8:10 p.m. – Some Austin police officers kneeled in front of protesters at the Austin Police Department headquarters.
7:55 p.m. – Protesters are attempting to get onto Interstate 35 through Downtown Austin. DPS troopers are lining the ramp while an APD chopper hovers overhead. KVUE's Bryce Newberry was live on the scene.
7:35 p.m. – Protesters from the Capitol building are on the move, heading to the APD headquarters. KVUE's Luis de Leon is live.
7:30 p.m. – KVUE's John Gusky has captured photos from Thursday night's protests in Downtown Austin.
PHOTOS: Protesters march through Downtown Austin for seventh night in a row
7:20 p.m. – Protesters outside APD headquarters are chanting "defund APD" and "quit your job" as the Austin City Council continues to discuss issues with the department and hear from community members throughout the night.
7:10 p.m. – Protesters observe a moment of silence outside the Capitol. The crowd is continuing to advocate for peaceful protests.
7 p.m. – Compared to previous nights this week, KVUE's Bryce Newberry said the crowd and police presence on Thursday night are much larger.
6:40 p.m. – KVUE's Molly Oak is live outside the Austin Police Department headquarters as protesters gather.
6:35 p.m. – KVUE's Luis de Leon is live with a crowd gathered outside the Capitol as protests continue on Thursday evening.
6:20 p.m. – The crowd has arrived at the Capitol building from APD headquarters.
5:30 p.m. – The Texas football team has reached the Texas State Capitol and is taking a nine-minute knee to remember George Floyd.
5:25 p.m. – A crowd has gathered outside the Texas State Capitol again on Thursday night.
5:10 p.m. – KVUE's Jake Garcia is live with the UT football team as they march through Downtown Austin.
5 p.m. – Texas football teammates have begun their march through Downtown Austin.
4:40 p.m. – Texas football is participating in a team march through Austin to show support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
MORE AUSTIN PROTEST COVERAGE:
- 'His name is Justin Howell. And he is my little brother.' | 20-year-old struck by less-lethal round in critical condition
- Austin Justice Coalition calls for City to defund Austin Police Department
- 'They listened to our cries' | Protesters and police discuss peaceful protests
- APD chief addresses police shootings of bystanders with less-lethal rounds; one in critical condition
- Michael Ramos' mother speaks as Austin protests continue
- 'An important time to make a statement.' Austin Mayor, city leaders speak about protests, city response
- Austin Police Chief Brian Manley considering curfew as protests continue
- Doctors discuss the likelihood of COVID-19 spike after Austin protests
- Member of Texas Capitol security force reportedly tests positive for COVID-19