x
Breaking News
More () »

#TylerProtests: Demonstrators return downtown for 7th day of protests

After a huge crowd gathered in front of Broadway Square Mall, protesters returned to downtown Tyler Friday.

TYLER, Texas — For a seventh straight day, East Texans will gather in Tyler to protest racial injustice in America.

While crowds have been growing in size since Monday, there only just over a dozen protesters at the Square.

The protests returned to the Square in downtown Tyler after being held in front of Broadway Square Mall Thursday. Roughly 200 people appeared at the Thursday night demonstration.

One reason for the change in location is the vandalism that happened at Andy's Frozen Custard Thursday morning. Organizers say they wanted to help support the custard shop in the aftermath of the vandalism. Police say the vandalism had nothing to do with the protests down during the week.

RELATED: 2 white males shattered windows with rocks at new Andy's Frozen Custard location in downtown Tyler

Before Friday's demonstration, a Kilgore pastor held a prayer vigil calling for the East Texas community to unite together during this time. About 300 people appeared at the vigil.

RELATED: Kilgore pastor holds prayer vigil in hopes to unite community

The protest began at 7 p.m. Some of the people from the vigil remained at the Square to take part in the protest.

Among those that remained after the vigil with Tyler Police Chief Jimmy Toler. Chief Toler walked around the crowd, taking to time to talk with some of the protesters and taking pictures with them.

However, by 7:30 p.m., most of the crowd that was at the vigil returned home. There are just over a dozen protesters at the scene as of 8:45 p.m.

As in previous days, many of the protesters brought signs and worse shirts advocating for justice for George Floyd and an end to police brutality. 

There is a voter registration table to help protesters register to vote.

While the protesters lined up on the street, they are quieter than in previous days. However, cars are still honking their horns in support of the protest.

This story will be updated throughout the night.

RELATED: #TylerProtests: Demonstration moves to Broadway Square Mall

RELATED: #TylerProtests: More than 100 protesters in downtown Tyler for 5th consecutive day

RELATED: #TylerProtests: Protesters demonstrate in downtown Tyler for 4th straight day

RELATED: #TylerProtest: Protesters gather in downtown Tyler for 3rd day

RELATED: Demonstrators hold second protest in downtown Tyler, protest held in Longview

RELATED: 'Enough is Enough! | Dozens peacefully march to protest death of George Floyd

Before You Leave, Check This Out