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Plaza remains closed, KCMO cleans up after weekend of protests

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Protest cleanup.jpeg
Posted at 5:44 AM, Jun 01, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-01 09:53:44-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, residents began picking up the pieces Monday morning after a weekend of protests and civil unrest.

Country Club Plaza will remain closed after hundreds gathered over the weekend nearby to peacefully protest, demonstrate and hold conversations surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Despite good intentions, protests turned to civil unrest both Saturday and Sunday night, resulting in vandalism, destruction, looting and even some injuries.

Protesters hurled objects at police, and police returned blows with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Businesses on the Plaza were left with broken windows and spray painted messages.

The Plaza was part of a curfew issued by Mayor Quinton Lucas from 8 p.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Monday to try and prevent further destruction of property and injuries to those involved.

KCPD, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri National Guard and several other area jurisdictions combined to attempt to maintain control in the areas around the protest and enforce the curfew.

Crowds finally cleared in the early hours of Monday morning, and that's when community members got to work picking up the pieces.

Volunteers began collecting trash left behind by the crowds and cleaning up as early as 1 a.m.

As the sun came up, more and more people joined together to clean up.

KC Parks employees began scrubbing graffiti off of Mill Park around 8 a.m. Monday. They used a chemical mixture and carefully replaced signs when they were done.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.