Salem extends nightly curfew; protesters have peaceful gathering at the Capitol

More than 200 demonstrators met at the Oregon State Capitol Tuesday evening for a fourth night of protests. 

Though the first three nights of protest at the State Capitol turned into riots in downtown Salem, Tuesday's gathering remained peaceful. 

Protesters in Salem were part of a nationwide response to the death of George Floyd, who died after being pinned to the ground by a Minneapolis police officer who kept his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes.

Tuesday's event in Salem, led by organizer Jonathan Jones, included participants who sang songs, waved signs, chanted and even danced throughout the evening until crowds disbursed at the 11 p.m. curfew. 

“I want (tonight) to be the interlude between the anger,” Jones said.

City of Salem officials extended the curfew for six more nights, from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. June 2 to June 8, to help the Salem Police Department maintain public safety and prevent further destruction and violence.

Lt. Treven Upkes said he hopes officers’ presence and availability will allow for meaningful dialogue.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the conversations we are clouded by the national feeling,” Upkes said Tuesday. “A lot of these people haven’t had interactions with us so they’re just getting learn about us — and we’re willing to talk to them."

Only a handful of people were left standing on the Capitol steps after 11 p.m. Salem officers asked remaining individuals to move along. There were no arrests made by Salem Police as of 11:15 p.m.

Protest organizers announced a walk at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Willamette Town Center.

Live updates 10:30 p.m.

Demonstrators have displayed signs and joined in song, including "Amazing Grace."

Salem Police Lt. Teven Upkes said: “A lot of these people haven’t had interactions with us so they’re just getting learn about us — and we’re willing to talk to them.”

The new curfew kicks in at 11 p.m. Organizers say there is no plan to march, as groups have done the last three nights.

UPDATE 8:45 p.m.

Some attendees are preparing to march through downtown, but organizer Jonathan Jones asks them to stay.

Over mic, Jones said: “If you’re here with the intent to...create a problem... you’re not welcome here. Don’t ruin this.”

UPDATE 8:15 p.m.

About 200 people are gathered at the Oregon State Capitol for what organizers are calling a “boisterous celebration of blackness.”

Court Street in front of the Capitol remains open. Drivers are honking in support as they pass.

A few Salem Police officers are watching the event from a distance.

UPDATE at 7 p.m. June 2

Salem officials are extending curfew through next week as protesters gathered for a fourth night Tuesday at the Capitol. 

The curfews have been enacted to help the Salem Police Department maintain public safety and prevent further destruction and violence, city officilas said. 

They will be in effect each night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., June 2 to June 8.

Though demonstrations have been peaceful for the past three nights, the city experienced instances of criminal behavior placing local businesses and community members in danger in the evening hours, officials said.  

The curfews are applied when individuals have refused multiple requests to disperse after peaceful assemblies and demonstrations end. 

Monday's protest:Salem police 'take a knee' in solidarity with protesters; group marches to new police HQ