In the wake of the shooting deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile this week, Black Lives Matter protests have erupted across the county Thursday evening.
Both Sterling and Castile lost their lives as a result of Police gunfire in heavily controversial and scrutinized tactics that were managed to be caught by video camera.
Below is the video taken by Castile’s girlfriend (who also had her four-year old daughter in the back seat) that shows the aftermath of the shooting.
Breaking News in Minnesota. Family pulled over and officer open fires on driver for reaching for his license. pic.twitter.com/qu6WUKRrR8
— MarQuis Trill (@6BillionPeople) July 7, 2016
According to Castile’s girlfriend, Castile was shot multiple times in the left arm after reaching for his identification during a traffic stop for a busted tail light. Castile, who according to reports was a licensed firearm carrier informed the police prior to reaching for his identification that he had a weapon in the car.
Notably, protests broke out in New York City as a result of the deaths.
The well contained #BlackLivesMatter protest at Union Square right now. Large police presence, but very subdued. pic.twitter.com/tIp6saQZHE
— Ema O'Connor (@o_ema) July 7, 2016
One confirmed arrest at #BlackLivesMatter protest as police box in protestors. pic.twitter.com/MYTwwtXj6m
— Ema O'Connor (@o_ema) July 8, 2016
Protests were also prevalent in Chicago where some demonstrations blocked traffic.
Outbound Dan Ryan at 53rd shutdown by protesters. @cbschicago #AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile @ChicagoRising pic.twitter.com/VEtiaT293P
— Audrina Bigos (@AudrinaBigos) July 7, 2016
Protest in #Chicago against police brutality. #AltonSterling #PhilandoCastile #ChiCallToAction pic.twitter.com/cqddII10ki
Via @AudrinaBigos— BaburBalos (@BaburRealer) July 7, 2016