Syracuse Police: Protestors damage buildings downtown, residents asked to avoid 500 block of South State St.

Posted: May 30, 2020 / 10:19 PM EDT / Updated: May 31, 2020 / 02:48 PM EDT

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Tensions have risen since the original peaceful protest in downtown Syracuse that started around 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon. Syracuse Police are now asking residents to avoid the 500 block of South State St. as objects are allegedly being thrown at officers and buildings are being damaged.

According to Syracuse Police, objects are being thrown at officers as they try to control protesters near the 500 block of South State St.

All residents asked to avoid the area near the 500 block of S. State St. Objects being thrown at Officers, serious hazard risk!
— Syracuse Police Department (@SyracusePolice) May 31, 2020

Protestors also broke several windows at the Onondaga County Criminal Courthouse and at the Syracuse Police Headquarters.

BREAKING: protests in downtown Syracuse have escalated @SyracusePolice is asking protesters to vacate the area off the Public Safety Building #LocalSYR @NewsChannel9 pic.twitter.com/4S3ChZAFDE
— Nicole Sommavilla (@NeSommavilla) May 31, 2020

Next to @SyracusePolice Headquarters, damage also to the windows of the @OnondagaCounty Criminal Courthouse. pic.twitter.com/0oxAsPyuub
— Andrew Donovan (@AndrewDonovan) May 31, 2020

On Twitter, Syracuse Police say they respect people’s rights to protest, but they will not tolerate any acts of violence.

After buildings were damaged, Syracuse Police were able to form a line and push protestors back. A clear divide was formed between police officers and protesters late Saturday night.

A clear division between protesters and police. This is right in front of the @OnondagaCounty Criminal Courthouse. pic.twitter.com/JmzGG9SLQz
— Andrew Donovan (@AndrewDonovan) May 31, 2020

Protests over the unjust death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota have incited protests, some becoming violent, all over the country.

Saturday was the first sign of protests in Syracuse, and tensions have risen as the night has gone on.

At a press conference on Sunday, Syracuse Police Chief Kenton Buckner said six people were arrested on either burglary or disorderly conduct charges from Saturday night’s protests. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported as a result of the protests.