Peaceful protest held on steps of the South Dakota Capitol

June 2, 2020

PIERRE, S.D.–People protesting the death of George Floyd by Minneapolis police took to the State Capitol steps in Pierre Monday and peacefully advocated their views.

Many in the crowd of around 60 held signs supporting the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women movement.

Protesters sat mostly quiet on the retaining wall along the sidewalk of Capitol Avenue near the first set of steps from the sidewalk to the Capitol steps talking among themselves and waving to honking motorists.

Some drivers and vehicle occupants shouted out against the protest with no reaction from those assembled.

Around six pm, the protesters began a march west on Capitol Avenue. Law enforcement was heavy across the city. A group of armed business owners were perched outside their businesses along South Pierre Street. Joining them were Pierre police, South Dakota Highway Patrol and National Guard members.