[UPDATE 7:35 p.m.] Police and Some Protesters Gearing Up for Possible Clashes at Tonight’s Protest in Eureka Even as Speaker Calls for Calm

Crowd at tonight's rally.

A smaller crowd gather’s in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse tonight. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

Across the nation, a wave of peaceful protest followed by more violent interactions has been rippling out from Minneapolis, Minnesota where a witness’s video of a white police officer kneeling on the neck of a black man for almost nine minutes captured, once again, the sense of people of color that they are the victim’s of a system that supports police brutality.

Yesterday afternoon and into the evening, protests in Eureka teetered back and forth between small acts of violence and vandalism and peaceful marches. Tonight, reports are coming across the police scanner of protesters bringing homemade shields and carrying backpacks as they head towards the 6 p.m. start of the protest at the Humboldt County Courthouse off of 5th Street.

Meanwhile, a California Highway Patrol helicopter is circling over the downtown area and we’re hearing reports that a number of officers are gearing up.

A screenshot from FlightRadar showing the CHP helicopter circling downtown Eureka.

A screenshot from FlightRadar showing the CHP helicopter circling downtown Eureka.

One of the first speakers at tonight’s gathering asks protesters to remember the children and not to destroy the community. “This is our community and we have to take care of it,” Hakim Wyllie said. “I won’t stand for it to be destroyed.”

UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: The California Highway Patrol helicopter is no longer circling the downtown area.

UPDATE 6:48 p.m.: Most of the protesters are kneeling for 10 minutes of silence.

Kneeling protest

Protesters kneel in silence for a ten minute memorial. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

Protester Kneeling during ten minutes of silence.

Hakim Wyllie kneeling during ten minutes of silence. [Photo by Mark McKenna]

UPDATE 6:55 p.m.: As protesters kneel, the CHP helicopter is back, circling overhead.

UPDATE 7:35 p.m.: Protesters are now marching through the streets of Eureka past the Police Station. “We stand with you,” says a whiteboard flanked by law enforcement.

UPDATE 7:53 p.m.: Multi racial protesters embrace white law enforcement in a powerful moment as Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal and Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson join in the chant of “No justice, no peace. No racist police.”

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FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago

We want government control! We want government control! We want government control! Let’s see if we can establish a curfew and get the military involved to make it harder for us who are already struggling……[edit]

No
Guest
No
3 years ago
Reply to  FanOfGuest

Wrong the government wants control to kill individuals.Don’t you 7nderstand the government could end this by serving justice and making some criminal justice changes.

Koose
Guest
Koose
3 years ago
Reply to  FanOfGuest

Quickly edited your post huh ?
You still coming to eureka tomorrow packing ?
Like we don’t know that means.
Look ma I’m a keyboard warrior now.
[edit]

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

To be honest, i never not go to eureka without. Was not trying to encourage violence kym. I just prepare for it on a daily basis. My bad If thought of that way.

“One will always live there best if they prepare to welcome the worst.” (Me)

thesteve4761
Guest
thesteve4761
3 years ago
Reply to  FanOfGuest

There. I fixed it.

“One will always live their best if they’re prepared to welcome the worst.” (Me)

Angel
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you! No one who “is packing”, has pockets of slings and rocks, spray paint, etc. is here for a peaceful protest, especially at night!

That nonsense costs our community trust in both citizens and police, $$$ for Leo staffing and damage repairs, commerce, all of which are needed right now.

Day protests seem peaceful, but night protests need to STOP!!! Peaceful protesters go home satisfied with their messages and “hit the hay in a peaceful way.”
Night protests have a way of turning into “mob mayhem”!

Dog
Guest
Dog
3 years ago

Humboldt Grassroots, organizers of these protests, said today about the parked cars windows broken out, store windows broken, and stores spray painted in Eureka yesterday, that they “don’t equate property damage to violence”…so, ok then, then if some of their property gets damaged tonite, its not violent..

No Joke
Guest
No Joke
3 years ago
Reply to  Dog

It’s not. Violence is harming a person or animal. Property damage is property damage.

Roptumbulous
Guest
Roptumbulous
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke
T70
Guest
T70
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke

Its still illegal.
Humboldt Grassroots is anarchist organization, they are anti-government. Go to their website, read their “about” and platform. The gentleman from HG said on the news tonight they have no affiliations with organizations for people with color. Did they try to reach out to any to help lead this in a positive direction? They also said they just planned this, the people lead the direction, meaning they have no responsibility.

Ice
Guest
Ice
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke

So if innocent people get their property, such as their only car, vandalised, windows broken, spray painted on, and it causes them grief and hardship on them, it’s not violent?

Hey
Guest
Hey
3 years ago
Reply to  Ice

Ice,
will the cops stop them from doing that, do you know?
Thanks

peace,love,coffee
Guest
peace,love,coffee
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke

Here’s the definition of VIOLENCE just in case you don’t have a dictionary:

1a : the use of physical force so as to injure, abuse, damage, or destroy
b : an instance of violent treatment or procedure
2 : injury by or as if by distortion, infringement, or profanation : outrage
3a : intense, turbulent, or furious and often destructive action or force the violence of the storm
b : vehement feeling or expression : fervor also : an instance of such action or
feeling
c : a clashing or jarring quality : discordance
4 : undue alteration (as of wording or sense in editing a text)

THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR VIOLENCE NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE

Disappointed
Guest
Disappointed
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke

I’m wondering if you`d feel the same when someone intentionally breaks or damages your hard earned property, especially when you’re out of a job barely making ends meet….if at all.

You tarnish such an important message when you victimize innocent people who have had no part in the violence you’re protesting. Crying victim while victimizing….that’s called hypocrisy and just an excuse to justify your own selfish desire to act without consequence.

Angel
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Disappointed

Truly!

Hey
Guest
Hey
3 years ago
Reply to  No Joke

No joke,
could you guys please break your own car windows in your “demonstration?”
Since it’s not violence maybe that would be ok with your own possessions.
Thanks, have a nice day.

Mary weather
Guest
Mary weather
3 years ago
Reply to  Hey

Kym ….. all the editing you do in the comment forum makes it seem as though you report to kindergartens. As adults, I’m sure everyone can handle an insult or two. It pretty common in an open forum of FREE SPEACH. Frankly I feel like it is insulting to the whole process

Miguel
Guest
Miguel
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym

Jm
Guest
Jm
3 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Thank you Kym

Angel
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Mary weather

Some people get very into the moment and cause more harm with their words.
Kym is blessing us in a large way.

This is almost an anonymous forum but people seem to think they can say as much in an outrageous and hurtful manner as they are feeling and don’t consider what it can lead others into thinking AND doing!!!

Angel
Guest
3 years ago
Reply to  Hey

Well said!

James
Guest
James
3 years ago
Reply to  Dog

Acting like sheep is a bad idea kowtowing to the powers that be praying for peace will not solve the problem

Ice
Guest
Ice
3 years ago
Reply to  James

James, neither does marching thru a community 3000 miles away from the incident and breaking windows of innocent peoples cars, spray painting on buildings, and threatening people. All this does is set the general public against the protesters. All protesting this far away from the incident does is make the protesters feel good about themselves. ” wow, man, back in 2020, I was there, man. I was so woke that I broke 30 car windows in the name of justice, man!”…they post a few more selfies and try to impress their friends…Well, here’s a hard truth. It won’t help stop police violence, in fact, it can incite more of it. Peaceful protests accomplish so much more…

Wtf
Guest
Wtf
3 years ago
Reply to  Dog

https://www.reddit.com/r/PublicFreakout/comments/gtsaam/please_make_this_go_viral_i_am_begging_you_police/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
This will make you feel good to be an american. Cops shooting unarmed women on their porch with rubber bullets. “Light ’em up!” The cop says.

Wtf
Guest
Wtf
3 years ago
Reply to  Wtf

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RSdaVy_L08k&t=86s

Here’s a good one too. The video claims unmarked black suburbans with flashing lights on their dash pull up and do a drive by on a crowd with no warning. Then speed away, shooting as they go.

Casual Observer
Guest
Casual Observer
3 years ago
Reply to  Wtf

When a group of armed men shout at you to do something you should probably do it, or get shot like these idiots. This is not a game, law enforcement does not care about your feelings. This is reality people, their is violence happening in our cities men in uniform have been given orders and they are doing their job.

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  Wtf

They weren’t cops. They were military. They weren’t rubber bullets, they were paintballs. Get your facts straight.It’s called marshal law, brought on by violence and unchecked rioting. Some people just love government control.

Marc
Guest
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  FanOfGuest

You obviously don’t know what you’re talking about, again! MARTIAL Law has not been declared anywhere. Not sure wtf MARSHAL Law is. But hey, why would anyone expect either knowledge, or truthful information from you?

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  Marc

They were military, not cops. Martial law is the replacement of civil law with temporary military law enforcement. THAT is exactly what happened in that scenario. Yes I do know what I’m talking about. They were not cops and they did not shoot rubber bullets. Paintballs

Marc
Guest
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  FanOfGuest

No, that is not the definition of Martial Law. Educate yourself!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
3 years ago
Reply to  Wtf

Effed, but how can anyone be surprised that this has provoked the heavy hand of the State to come down on everyone?

Problem, reaction. .. next is solution.

Focus
Guest
Focus
3 years ago
Reply to  Dog

It is not just one group involved. There are lots of people showing up because they are heartbroken about another Black man murdered by police, who cried out for his dead mother while having his neck knelt on for nine minutes by a police officer in broad daylight. Stop changing the focus to inconsequential crap like spray paint that already got washed off by city council members.

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  Focus

No justice for the 253 white people who were killed by police last year? 284 people died in police shootings. 31 were black. All were criminals.

Alf
Guest
Alf
3 years ago

“This is our community and we must take care of it.” “I won’t stand for it to be destroyed.” If yesterday was any example, they aren’t listening to you…
Like Ron White so elequently put it, “You can’t fix stupid.” I hope and pray tonight doesn’t once again prove that. Last night sure did.

Manifest The World Holding Hands
Guest
Manifest The World Holding Hands
3 years ago
Reply to  Alf

Hakim is the owner of Dream Athletics and was born in Eureka. More power to him if he can nail this landing. Godspeed, Sir.

No Joke
Guest
No Joke
3 years ago

Stay home then.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

LEO needs to prep a Quadiator charge, rubber bats and all.

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Guest

That’s a good one. I take it that it would be inappropriate for them to allow John Q Public to volunteer.

joeschmo
Guest
joeschmo
3 years ago

The average IQ of those still protesting might be 60. They have no clear demands and they are only inciting violence at this point. I have yet to meet a single person that thinks mr Chaviun(sp?) shouldn’t be in jail for a long time. Society doesn’t want anarchy, and wether you know it or not, you don’t want anarchy either… because you would all be incapable of supporting yourselves without a society to support you. Time to grow up kiddos.

Alf
Guest
Alf
3 years ago
Reply to  joeschmo

Appreciate your generosity. I wouldn’t have rated them that high!

Hey
Guest
Hey
3 years ago
Reply to  Alf

Alf, joeshmo,
👍👍👍👍

Possum Hater
Guest
Possum Hater
3 years ago
Reply to  joeschmo

It takes a special kind of stupid to run around destroying peoples livelihoods and causing harm, while chanting fuck the police. They are nothing but HYPOCRITICAL COWARDS. They must know it is only the police that are keeping them alive, and that without the police the violent ones wouldn’t last two minutes.

Marc
Guest
Marc
3 years ago
Reply to  Possum Hater

“the violent ones wouldn’t last two minutes.”

Only because they are the minority (especially in Humboldt!), otherwise you would all be too afraid to leave your houses, let alone confront them. The police are actually saving you!

Irony: anonymous cowards on the internet acting like tough guys, but in reality hiding in the corner clutching their guns.🤣🤣🤣🤣

FYI, I don’t condone their behavior, but I also will not condone yours.

Diane
Guest
Diane
3 years ago

Do they have a permit?

Jake Connor
Guest
Jake Connor
3 years ago
Reply to  Diane

Yeah it’s called the first amendment

J.C. Tokalenko
Guest
J.C. Tokalenko
3 years ago

What happened to social distancing? LOL

Move dat virus to da back burner, we gots something much more important!

Just Sayin
Guest
Just Sayin
3 years ago
Reply to  J.C. Tokalenko

Yeah, a race war propagated by special interests is far more pressing…… Pay attention stupid…

peace,love,coffee
Guest
peace,love,coffee
3 years ago

I AM SO PROUD OF OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS!

Way to go Chief Watson and Sheriff Honsal!

THIS is how we effect change……together with one voice.

joe blow
Guest
joe blow
3 years ago

why dont you take this wonderful energy you have and do something positive in our community with it rather than stand on some steps and yell a bunch of nonsense, make a bunch of noise, and here yourself yell! Your are a bunch of clueless worthless idiots. you are all clueless. get out of our community if you dont like it. thank you for leaving, make it soon please, i appreciate it very so much. have a nice trip out of our town.

Urgross
Guest
Urgross
3 years ago
Reply to  joe blow

Your comments are gross and pathetic. Many of the people there are people who constantly give back to the community and they show up to community events like this…when someone gets murdered unjustly. You have zero idea what you are talking about. It’s our community too. If you don’t like it, maybe you should leave.

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  Urgross

…..because the cops here in humboldt are killing black people? Let alone any people? Take a bus to Michigan if your so concerned.

The Real Brian
Guest
The Real Brian
3 years ago

@ 7:53 update.

Good for chief Watson (who chimes in on the comment section sometimes) and Sheriff Honsal.

That’s a much needed gesture.

Not only is it empathetic, but it’s de-escalating too.

its math
Guest
its math
3 years ago
Reply to  The Real Brian

thats the point, to deescalate. they are pigs just like the rest of them. the difference is that the pigs here know if they lose control there is nothing they can do. the people drastically out number them

The Real Brian
Guest
The Real Brian
3 years ago
Reply to  its math

When cops stand with protestors and even join them, there is no “them”, there is solidarity and “us”.

Solidarity and understanding (empathy) create de-escalation naturally.

Joe
Guest
Joe
3 years ago

Yeah! And Thank You for wearing masks and staying six feet apart!!! What a beautiful hug!😂

Mike
Guest
Mike
3 years ago

So are we not doing covid anymore? Or is this just halftime?

Fun with facts!
Guest
Fun with facts!
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

It’s all part of the same plan. Everybody emerges, feeling united, with less money and less control, under the looming gaze of our new constant surveillance system. We in Humboldt are about to be blindsided by a shitstorm of rampant development, population influx and freak heatwaves like we never believed would happen here. Drought is going to force severe water restrictions within five years. Our taps are going to flow with a significant amount of recycled piss within ten years, like they already do in cities all over the gentrified first world.

Agenda 21 just about signed sealed and delivered. Agenda 2030 just getting started. Once the baby boomers are dead, then the real fun starts. Stay sane. I recommend laughing at it, not with it.

Angel
Guest
3 years ago

WOW!!! Aren’t you a ray of positive hopeful Sunshine? Have a good life!!!

Not Naive here but talk about an attitude adjustment needed!

Peace and love
Guest
Peace and love
3 years ago

God bless Chief Watson and Sherif Honsal for
trying to deescalate the “demonstrators.”

And please put those in jail for breaking windows or vandalizing.

Caleb
Guest
3 years ago

Hakim! Yess!! That’s the way it should be around the world!!!

Good Citizen
Guest
Good Citizen
3 years ago

So, when they/we say defund the police, here is what you are talking about. Public Safety comes out of the “general fund” the same fund that pays for parks, recreation, zoo, libraries the things that make our lives good. Sewer and water are utility funds, they pay from themselves. Pay attention to your local community budgets. Vote, tell your representatives what you want, be good citizens.

Patriot Lives Matter
Guest
Patriot Lives Matter
3 years ago

Cops are punks just like the antifa crowd. What an embarrassment. They should all make a Pepsi commercial. Before Billy gets ready for his next press conference, perhaps he would like to stroll around downtown Eureka looking at all the property damage and illiterate graffiti. Enough is enough. America is being handed over to Marxist thugs. This needs to end NOW.

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

Yes, what happened to USA policy of not negotiating w terrorists? Foreign or domestic. That’s why Trump is so silent right now! Heard Biden was at a rally and deBlasios daughter got arrested. By the way did anybody know Biden got a military deferment for asthma? They call Trump “bonespurs” so I hereby dub Biden “Wheezy”

Guest
Guest
Guest
3 years ago

Regarding the looting, can’t store owners actively defend their property? Paintball, bear mace, rubbber bullets, real bullets? I see some great opportunities! Those looters should be so proud. It’s a great class look!

thesteve4761
Guest
thesteve4761
3 years ago

No Them. Only Us.

Monster
Guest
Monster
3 years ago

Honsal the Tonsil was ready to send the Barney Fifes to the beach a month ago.

Then he praised behavior of residents on the beach shortly thereafter with this “THIS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL” schtick.

Now he’s trying to make nice with those protesting without discussing the elephant in the room: qualified immunity.

This guy is Lindsay Graham on steroids. There isn’t a camera he won’t avoid to cut a promo on.

Redding Resident
Guest
Redding Resident
3 years ago

So proud of Halim Wyllie! Good job sir!

HotCoffee
Guest
HotCoffee
3 years ago

This is organized and much more than local…. Ellison is the AG that gets to bring charges against the cops the killed Floyd

BUSTED: Keith Ellison Photographed With Portland ANTIFA …

On the heels of an unprecedented Minneapolis Police press conference this week in which officers warned citizens to not vote for Keith Ellison, photographs obtained by Big League Politics contributor Laura Loomer show Ellison and Luis Enrique Marquez, a notorious leader of the Portland ANTIFA who has a criminal record and has carried the Communist flag.

Ellison’s support of ANTIFA is no secret, but as a candidate for Attorney General, his relationship with a violent member of ANTIFA, which has been designated as a domestic terrorist organization by the US Department of State, is concerning.

https://www.newswars.com/keith-ellison-pictured-with-portland-antifa-leader-at-minnesota-state-fair/

If you don’t like this article google Ellison there are many more.
And don;t forget to google Luis Enrique Marquez.

Wake up folks we’re being played.
Antifa is using the protesters by hiding behind them to bring down our country.

Follow the trail an you will know why the wreckage is in Dem run cities and states.

Antifa is finally being designated a terrorist group.

not so much
Guest
not so much
3 years ago
Reply to  HotCoffee

Actually, as a point of clarity, Antifa is not being ‘labeled a terrorist group’ because -they are not that- but more importantly, Trump doesn’t have the authority to make that designation. Also, for a point of historical reference, the concept goes back to the 40s when citizens were “anti-fascist” in opposition to NAZIS so maybe take into account the nature of the label. If you are anti-Antifa, then you are by definition pro-fascist. That’s just what it is.

FanOfGuest
Guest
FanOfGuest
3 years ago
Reply to  not so much

I’m pro American Dream and freedom. Socialism is anti- American Dream and anti- freedom of choice. This country was founded on capitalization and risk taking, not more taxes and being dependent on others for your own existence. Man up and take self responsibility for your shitty choices of not having the clout and glory to succeed on your own terms. Most immigrants still come to America for a reason. To capitalize off of the weaknesses of others who have failed. God bless this country.

Captain Courageous
Guest
Captain Courageous
3 years ago

‘Get a haircut and get a real job’. – George Thorogood.