SoCal George Floyd protests, vigils prevail on day of his Minneapolis memorial service
LOS ANGELES - Peaceful protests prevailed in Southern California on Thursday while those who loved George Floyd along with prolific people in the African American community attended his memorial service nearly 2,000 miles away in Minneapolis.
On Wednesday, the three other officers involved in Floyd’s death were officially charged. In addition, the officer seen on camera kneeling on Floyd’s neck during the final moments of his life had his charges upgraded to second-degree murder.
RELATED: 3 other Minneapolis police officers charged in George Floyd's death, Chauvin charges upgraded
In response to some protests that grew violent over the weekend, city and county officials issued curfew orders.
However, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Thursday he is lifting the order for the city.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement in response to videos that have surfaced on social media that appear to show officers using excessive force on demonstrators.
The statement read in part:
“Protests, marches and demonstrations over the last several days have been often dynamic at times dangerous situations for both officers and demonstrators. A number of these gatherings have unfortunately devolved into chaos with rocks, bottles and other projectiles being launched at police officers, who have sustained injuries that range from cuts and bruises to a fractured skull.
LAPD also stated that “any person who believes they were wrongfully accused of a crime, unjustly injured, or experienced misconduct on the part of an officer can make a complaint with a Department supervisor or by calling the Professional Standards Bureau Complaint toll-free 1-800-339-6868.”
Los Angeles County also said they did not plan to issue a countywide curfew order.
Information for Thursday's planned demonstrations and vigil memorial services in honor of George Floyd can be found below.
Crenshaw District
The Crenshaw Distrct was one of many neighborhoods in Southern California set to hold a protest against police brutality and in honor of George Floyd.
Starting at 10 a.m., protesters were to meet at the corner of 11th Ave. and 52nd Street and were asked to wear all black.
“The Crenshaw District stands with all victims of police brutality,” event organizers said. “We stand against racial injustice across America.”
Crenshaw native Miyoshi Price explained the need for demonstrations to FOX 11's Mario Ramirez.
“Our community is hurting. Our community is in pain. Our community is also tired of what’s taken place for more than 400 years [that] we’ve been oppressed. These protests are to speak to the police brutality, to speak to the systematic oppression, to speak to the unfairness of our people. We aren’t trying to take anyone. We’re just trying to tell you all that my life means something,” Price said.
"Today we’re protesting and standing against what’s wrong and we’re protecting our future," she added.
Downtown Los Angeles
A peaceful Black Lives Matter protest was planned to start in downtown Los Angeles at noon at City Hall. Demonstrators are asked to meet outside LA Superior Court located at 111 N. Hill Street by 11:30 a.m. The event was organized by the K.W. Lee Center for Leadership.
Hollywood
In Hollywood, the several hundred protesters, who met at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Vine St. at 10 a.m., walked through the area then began making their way south toward Mayor Eric Garcetti's official residence in Hancock Park, which has been the scene of gatherings for the past two days.
Long Beach
The Long Beach Faith Leaders Coalition hosted a gathering to pray for the community and call for justice, non-violence and an end to all forms of systemic racism. The prayer service was set to take place on the St. Luke's Episcopal Church parking lot located at 525 E. Seventh St.
Santa Clarita
In anticipation of a protest that began circulating on social media, the city of Santa Clarita issued a 12-hour curfew between 6 p.m. Thursday to 6 a.m. Friday. City officials also declared a local emergency.
The National Guard was also expected to be on standby.
Several groups of people began gathering around midday, rallying in the general vicinity of the Westfield Valencia Town Center and along Newhall Ranch Road. Sheriff's officials reported no troubles with the protests, which were being held peacefully. However, deputies were stationed around the Town Center mall for protection, and a contingent of National Guard troops were brought in as a "proactive" step, sheriff's officials said.
Santa Monica
A march started at the intersection of Main Street and Ocean Boulevard around 10 a.m.
The organizers asked those who wished to attend to bring signs in a continued call for justice.
Orange County
Multiple protests and vigil memorial services were scheduled Thursday in Orange County, according to the OC Protests Twitter page.
The scheduled protests included:
• Anaheim: 9:30 p.m. at 160 West Center St.
• Costa Mesa: The Costa Mesa Police Department said they were aware of a planned peaceful demonstration at the 100 block of East 17th Street later in the afternoon. An exact time was not specified.
• Fountain Valley: 1 p.m. at City Hall. Those who attend were asked to bring candles and flowers for a vigil.
• Irvine: 1 p.m. at Mile Square Park.
• Orange: 5 p.m. start time at the Outlets at Orange.
The social media page also started that a large and organized protest was scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. in Westminster on Saturday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
CNS contributed to this report.