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Protesters march in Burlington for sixth night

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) — Protesters calling for the firing of three Burlington police officers involved in incidents where use of force came into question marched through the city for a sixth night, blocking an intersection.

The protesters, some of whom have been camping out in Battery Park near the headquarters of the Burlington Police Department, have been joined each night by others.

In a statement released Tuesday, Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger said he was concerned for the safety of both the protesters and police.

He said he applauded police for investigating a man for repeatedly approaching the demonstrators while carrying an assault-style rifle and later arresting him for violating conditions of a prior criminal release.

Weinberger said a rock was thrown at officers on Monday night and the passage of emergency vehicles was temporarily blocked.

“I strongly urge all demonstrators to avoid a repeat of these public safety violations,” Weinberger said.

He urged the demonstrators to coordinate with the city to ensure the safety of everyone.

The Burlington protests have come as demands for racial justice and police reform are happening all over the country. The Burlington protests have remained peaceful, but include acts of civil disobedience, like camping illegally and blocking streets.

Burlington police cleared the officers to return to work after investigations. Two lawsuits over the incidents are still in litigation.

The protesters also want all Chittenden County police to wear body cameras and to make the footage public for free, WPTZ-TV reported. They blocked a downtown intersection during a march on Monday night, WCAX-TV reported.

Burlington police wear body cameras and the department recently changed its use-of-force policy. Attorney General T.J. Donovan said he wants to see a universal use-of-force policy throughout the state.

“Let’s have the best and highest standard in the nation, which force is a last resort,” he said.

The mayor said he supported the rights of the protesters and he has met twice with organizers and he agrees with the need to dismantle what he describes as systemic racism in the country and in the community.

“The city is working hard on many fronts to achieve that goal, and I intend to keep talking with these organizers to find areas of consensus and potential progress,” Weinberger said.

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