Springfield vigil for George Floyd canceled due to safety concerns

A Monday evening community vigil for George Floyd in Springfield has been cancelled amid safety concerns, according to a post on the City of Springfield’s Facebook page.

The announcement follows incidents of property damage in downtown Springfield last night by a group of people. The damage included that done to several businesses, there was also reports of vandalism. It occurred after the crowd, gathered near the Clark County Common Pleas Courthouse, was dispersed by local law enforcement.

Floyd died while in Minneapolis police custody last week. His death has sparked national outrage and has led to protest across the country, with some turning violent.

PHOTOS: Protesters March In Springfield Sunday

The vigil was originally planned to be held on the Springfield City Hall Plaza and followed a demonstration that was held in downtown Springfield Sunday afternoon.

Sunday’s event saw hundreds of people gather in front of the Clark County Common Pleas Courthouse before marching through the downtown area. The march ended back at the courthouse at about 5 p.m.

Leaders and organizers of the demonstration left shortly after along with a majority of the protesters. However, some continued to linger.

MORE: Springfield police use tear gas against crowd of protesters remaining from afternoon march

At about 10:45 p.m. law enforcement deployed tear gas to disperse a crowd of 20 to 25 people who had remained.

The City of Springfield will be holding a news conference today at noon to address the events that occurred last night. It will be held in the Raynor Room of the Public Safety Building and will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page.