It began as protesters attemptig to tear down the statue of Andrew Jackson at LaFayette Park. Protesters locked arms to form a human chain around the statue so that police on scene could not intervene. The group of rioters also attempted to set up an autonomous zone similar to the CHOP in Seattle. They have dubbed the area the Black House Autonomous Zone or BHAZ.
Police were able to disperse the crowd using a chemical irritant.
The crowd moved on towards St. Johns Church, which was vandalized with spray painted graffiti that reads “BHAZ.”
Reports coming from the area state that several tents have been erected and they are calling for the church to become a sanctuary for the “peaceful protesters.”
Reports state that the situation is currently calm.
This is a breaking story and we will update information as it becomes available.
