Protests rolled through Austin and the nation over the weekend, as demonstrators voiced outrage and frustration following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis in the hands of city police on May 25. Protests in cities throughout the country grew violent as demonstrators clashed with police. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster.

Locally, hundreds of protestors stormed the Austin Police Department headquarters, Austin City Hall and the Texas Capitol, blocked off streets and even forced prolonged shutdowns I-35 on Saturday and Sunday. The protests had spurts of violence as protesters threw rocks at police and police returned with non-lethal bean bag rounds, pepper spray and what appeared to be tear gas. Austin protesters were frustrated with the death of Floyd but also voiced outrage over the death of 42-year-old resident Michael Ramos, an unarmed black man who was shot and killed by Austin police on April 24.

A peaceful demonstration planned for May 31 was canceled at the last minute by the social justice groups that helped organize it. Chas Moore, executive director of the Austin Justice Coalition, said although the protest was planned to be peaceful, there were significant concerns that outside groups would co-opt the demonstration and turn it violent. Moore said he could no longer ensure the safety of all participants at the demonstration.

Hundreds of protesters showed up anyway on Sunday at the Texas Capitol to continue demonstrations seen throughout the weekend. These photos are scenes from downtown Austin on the late afternoon and early evening of Sunday, May 31.