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Occupation protest outside KCMO City Hall ends after 21 days

City Hall occupation ends.jpg
Posted at 10:28 PM, Oct 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-23 23:35:17-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Three weeks after an occupation-style protest started in front of the Kansas City, Missouri, City Hall, organizers announced a "ceasefire" Friday night on social media.

"After a historic 21 day occupation at KC City Hall, The People's City is declaring a ceasefire as talks have begun with public officials regarding reimagination of public safety and divesting funds from law enforcement," the group said in a tweet.

The protest began on Oct. 4 after a video of a KCPD police officer arresting a pregnant woman went viral on social media.

Officer Blayne Newton appears to briefly put a knee in Deja Stallings' back during the process of arresting her. She was nine months pregnant at the time and was placed on her stomach on the ground.

Protesters pledged to stay in front of City Hall until several demands were met, including:

  • The firing of KCPD Chief of Police Rick Smith and Newton;
  • Firing "all officers who have killed Black victims in Kansas City;"
  • Divesting 50% of KCPD's budget;
  • Reinvesting KCPD's budget into resources that support the Black community.

Smith told 41 Action News last month he would not resign.

Protesters also claimed victory for a series of accomplishments related to the occupation and protests, including new KCPD use of force guidelines regarding pregnant women.