x
Breaking News
More () »

I-40 in Winston-Salem reopens following protest

The protest started earlier Tuesday night in Winston-Salem near Hanes Mall.

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — I-40 has reopened following a protest in Winston-Salem. 

Protesters shut down the highway as part of a Black Lives Matter demonstration.

The protest started earlier Tuesday night in Winston-Salem near Hanes Mall with up to 140 protesters. Demonstrators then gathered in the street. They silently got on the ground and blocked busy intersections while protesting. 

The group also made it's way to the Target on Hanes Mall Boulevard, standing in front of the doors, which blocked customers from going in and out. The group stayed there for about 15 minutes before moving back up the road in the direction they first walked from.

Protesters in Winston Salem made their way through busy intersections and onto I-40. Marissa Tansino is live with an update

Posted by WFMY News 2 on Tuesday, June 9, 2020

The demonstrators then headed towards I-40. Winston-Salem Police said about 80 protesters made their way onto the highway for about 45 minutes as part of the protest before returning to town.

Winston-Salem Police Capt. Weaver said officers and protesters had face-to-face discussions on the interstate regarding safety and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines said the protesters on the highway demonstrated for the amount of time George Floyd was held down by police before he died. 

Joines said, "It’s a dangerous thing for the protesters and the public. I understand the point they’re trying to make but I encourage folks to be mindful of the danger of that."

The protests also prompted closures on Peters Creek Parkway and Stratford Road in both directions.

Winston-Salem Police said no one was arrested and they did not issue any citations.

RELATED: Local artists come together to paint 'Black Lives Matter' on street in uptown

RELATED: 'I fear what will happen if we don't fix it!' Community leaders talk about race and resolution following new calls for justice and equality

RELATED: High Point city leaders focused on change toward equality

RELATED: Downtown Greensboro quiet after 8 p.m. curfew lifted; small businesses react to week of protests

RELATED: Greensboro's police chief announces policy changes following protest

RELATED: 'This hate will never win' | Someone paints over 'Black Lives Matter' message on rock outside North Carolina high school

Stay connected to local, national and breaking news: Download the new WFMY News 2 app. 

Text the keyword APP to 336-379-5775

DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE

DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE

►For the latest weather conditions and forecast text the keyword WEATHER to 336-379-5775

►For local news stories right to your phone text the keyword NEWS to 336-379-5775

►Need our Call for Action Team? Text keyword CFA to 336-379-5775

►For traffic alerts text the word TRAFFIC to 336-379-5775

Before You Leave, Check This Out