Multiple organizations in Eau Claire organized a protest on Saturday, August 29 to call for an end to police brutality as demonstrated in Kenosha with the shooting of Jacob Blake. Blake was shot in the back seven times by a police officer during an attempted arrest.
The protest was completely peaceful and there was no property damage. Several counter-protesters were at the event, many wearing Trump clothing items or Trump flags on their vehicles. A few of them were open-carrying guns. Engagements between the two groups were calm, with people on both sides exchanging bottles of water and being respectful. One of the counter-protesters repeatedly shouted at the large (approximately 1,000) protest group, telling them to "go back to Minneapolis". There was no evidence that any of the protesters were from outside of the Chippewa Valley.
The protest began in Randall Park, where several of the organizers spoke to the crowd. The group then marched together through downtown Eau Claire to the County Government Center, where they continued to rally, carry signs, and chant in unison. The police presence during the event had been organized ahead of the rally and had minimal interaction with anyone other than closing the streets ahead of the march for safety purposes.
We will have more photos and video of the event as the day goes on.
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