The George Floyd demonstrations have yet to lose steam in Missoula.
The sixth day of protests saw crowds lined West Broadway in front of the Missoula County Courthouse, chanting slogans, holding signs, and bringing attention to the recent death of Floyd.
Counter-protesters displayed American flags with many even carrying guns and guarding nearby storefronts against potential looting.
Missoula Mayor John Engen told MTN News that he doesn’t believe the protests will become violent as we’ve seen in some communities across the country. However, the city does have a contingency plan in place if needed.
He's hopeful the protests will ultimately bring about change, "violence unprovoked against any human being is not the business of a police force.
Mayor Engen added that the Missoula Police Department plans to update its use of force and implicit bias training. He also made it clear that if any Missoula Police officer violates any policy, there will be consequences.
