George Floyd protests live updates: Here’s what to know in Charlotte on June 9

We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about local protests over the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man who died while being detained by police. Protests have continued in Charlotte and other cities across the country.

Check back for updates.

Eleventh night of protests

Uptown Charlotte saw it’s eleventh night of protests with an estimated 250 protesters gathered on streets, according to a Facebook Live broadcast by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police.

The march began Monday evening at the Government Center and the mix of pedestrians and bicyclists marched along North Davidson to the NoDa area, with police on bikes following behind.

Demonstrations ended about 12:15 a.m., CMPD said. “No officers were injured, no dispersal orders were issued and there was no use of Riot Control Agents (RCA),” CMPD said in a release.

Earlier protests on Monday included a “die-in” staged at the Government Center by the Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice.

Officer assault caught on video

Two people were arrested Monday for “unlawful and hostile actions toward officers,” after a confrontation between one CMPD officer and a group of protesters near the Government Center, CMPD said.

The department posted video of the incident, showing a group of protesters attempting to block Capt. Brad Koch as he tried to talk with demonstrators. Some are shown bumping into him, while one person pushed people into his path.

The video shows Koch and one protester began struggling on the ground.

“While Captain Koch was arresting the protester that pushed him, a few of the protesters helped Captain Koch by trying to stop other protesters who were interfering with the arrest,” CMPD said in a release.

“The protester was able to escape, but one of the protesters that interfered, James Marsicano ... was arrested,” the release said.

Some witnesses suggested on Twitter that Koch taunted the group by pumping one hand in the air and putting his hand behind his ear before the struggle, as if to suggest they chant more loudly.

The incident marked the second day in a row that protesters were recorded attempting to block Koch from engaging with marchers. CMPD says Marsicano, 27, is also a suspect in the other case. Marsicano was charged with two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and resisting a public officer, police said.

CMPD says 128 people have been arrested during the 11 days of protests.

City Council cuts CMPD funds

The Charlotte City Council voted 9-2 not to provide CMPD with money to buy chemical agents for crowd control, after the department was accused of using gas against peaceful protesters one night last week.

A City Council committee has also been assigned the responsibility of scrutinizing and adjusting how CMPD spends money and creates policy.

CMPD spent $103,000 on chemical agents this year, according to City Budget Director Ryan Bergman.

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that it will no longer use tear gas during protests or marches. The department also intends to remove the use of tear gas from its Use of Force policy, officials said.

Franklin Graham blasts ‘defunding’

Evangelist Franklin Graham blasted the “defund the police” movement on social media Monday.

“George Floyd’s death, which was tragic and should have never happened, has sparked a new pandemic of fear,” Graham posted on Facebook.

“Many Democrats are saying the solution to the situation is to defund or dismantle the police departments. This has to be one of the most irresponsible ideas I have ever heard. This would lead to more anarchy and destruction. We are a nation of laws, and laws need to be enforced,” he wrote.

Graham’s post came not long after the Minneapolis City Council said it was beginning “the process of dismantling the Minneapolis Police Department” in the wake of Floyd’s death while under arrest there, The Star Tribune reported.

“There is never a time or a place for police brutality or discrimination — that has to be stopped,” Graham wrote.

“The police are what stand between us and total anarchy. Defund them — or thank them? What do you think?”

This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 7:35 AM.