Peace prevails when tensions rise as downtown protests reach curfew

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — On the sixth night of protests in downtown Wilmington, the crowd was significantly larger than any of the past few nights. However, those crowds have also drawn counter-protesters, which almost disturbed the peace Thursday night.

Demonstrators were out on the steps of Wilmington City Hall all day, chanting, cheering and waving signs, and the large crowds fills some residents with pride.

“To go from Sunday to now, to go from Saturday to now and knowing that this is just Thursday, I’m very proud,” said organizer Tim Joyner. “Very proud of the numbers, I’m very proud of Wilmington.”

Some protesters even having to gather on both sides of Third Street as the steps of City Hall filled up.

Shortly before the 9 p.m. curfew, during the most somber moment of the night as the crowd reenacted the last nine minutes of George Floyd’s life, an outburst came from a counter-protester shouting, “All lives matter!”

The chant was met with boos and expletives from the crowd. A few people rushed toward him, but organizers kept the peace.

“The police were not handling it quick enough, don’t know if they wanted to see if we were going to react or not, but we handled it as far as we can,” Joyner said.

Police did soon intervene and escorted the man and his wife to a patrol car, but not before tensions escalated.

Organizer Lily Nicole didn’t want this one moment to take away from the peaceful night, and asked protesters to leave several minutes before the curfew.

“Do not let our numbers be used against us! I urge you to please get home safely!” she told the crowd.

Several protesters were angry with police for escorting the counter-protester out safely, but others jumped to their defense, saying they were just doing their jobs.

Protests are expected to continue through the weekend.