PROVIDENCE ─ Hundreds of people gathered on the South Side of Providence Tuesday evening to demand justice for the victim of an officer-involved moped crash that occurred Sunday on Elmwood Avenue.
Jhamal Gonsalves, 24, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition Sunday following the crash, which happened as police attempted to reign in hundreds of dirtbikes, mopeds, and ATVs that gathered in large groups on the streets of Providence. Gonsalves’ family says he remains hospitalized and in a coma.
The protest and rally was organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation. The initially peaceful demonstrators marched through the city to the Providence Public Safety Complex. There they were met by a dozens of Providence Police officers dressed in riot gear.
A phalanx of police move protesters away from the Public Safety Complex. -SK #WPRO pic.twitter.com/IoTTxZqXYQ
— Steve Klamkin (@NewsProvidence) October 21, 2020
Most of the crowd dispersed after about an hour, however tensions mounted when a subset of the group stayed and lit off fireworks at and near the police.
Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steven Paré told WPRI-12 that an officer sustained minor injuries after being hit by a projectile – either a firework or bottle. Paré also confirmed 19 people were arrested Tuesday night.
Marchers arrive at the Providence Public Safety complex. The building is cordoned off since past protests. Bikes and motorcycles accompanied the marchers, who chant “Black Lives Matter”. -SK #WPRO pic.twitter.com/6TfZW85rqc
— Steve Klamkin (@NewsProvidence) October 20, 2020
Hundreds march up Elmwood Ave to near where Jhamal Gonsalves was injured Sunday on his moped in an encounter with Police. -SK #WPRO pic.twitter.com/QKcnxuia8L
— Steve Klamkin (@NewsProvidence) October 20, 2020
