Protesters broke windows and forced their way inside of the Bridgeport Police Department Saturday following a rally at the McLevy Green held two hours earlier.

The city says no one was injured or arrested during the incident.

Earlier Saturday, Police said Route 8 in Bridgeport was shut down to make way for protesters, and that I-95 southbound and northbound Exit 27A off-ramps were also closed. Later in the evening, they said roads had been reopened.

 

 

Police were at the McLevy Green protest but kept a respectful distance. Sources tell News 12 officers were advised not to make any arrests anybody if possible.

The protest was sparked by the death of 46-year-old George Floyd, a black man who was restrained until his death by a white police officer in Minnesota. The officer is facing murder charges.

 

Sen. Richard Blumenthal addressed the crowd and called for action at the highest level.

The city of Bridgeport released a statement saying, "We commend our Bridgeport Community for hosting a peaceful and meaningful protest today. Feelings of frustration and heartache are validated by what we saw as to the need for change. We are united on these matters. It is unfortunate that some came to interrupt this show of community solidarity."

 

It comes as rallies were also held in cities across the country, including in New York City Friday night.