GREENSBORO, N.C. — UPDATE: I-40 has reopened in Greensboro following a protest. Dozens of protesters gathered on the highway while chanting and demonstrating. The group also prayed while the highway was shut down for the protest. The group peacefully left the highway following the demonstration after the curfew was enacted for the city.
Part of I-40 is closed in Greensboro due to protests.
I-40 is closed from Highway 73 to Wendover Avenue in both directions.
Police have not said when that section will reopen.
Officers closed different sections of W. Wendover Avenue in Greensboro to accommodate protesters.
On Sunday afternoon, a group of about 40 demonstrators began entering stores along the road, calling for justice in the wake of George Floyd's death.
The group also went into stores like Target, Walmart, and Sam's Club to protest throughout the afternoon.
The full list of stores closed early on W. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro:
- Costco - Closed
- Walmart - Closed
- Sams - Closed
- Bed, Bath, & Beyond - Closing soon
- Lowe's - Open
- Best Buy - Closed
- Red Lobster - Closed
- Tripps - Closed
- Longhorn Steakhouse - Open
- Applebee's - Open
- Subway- Closing if no customers
After coming out of the stores, protesters made their way down Wendover Avenue around 4 o'clock, rounding the corner up Big Tree Way, onto Bridford Parkway, and then Guilford College Road.
The group of protesters eventually made their way back onto Wendover Avenue.
Greensboro Police created a barrier of police cars in the roadway between the ramps of I-40.
The protesters that took their cars on the route got out of their vehicles and joined the others in the group on foot, matching onto the on-ramp to I-40.
It was around 7:45 the group in its entirety was fully on the closed down highway.
After 15 minutes, when the clock struck 8 p.m., the group began to pray together.
At 8:07, Greensboro Police sounded the alarm, announcing the protesters were in violation of curfew.
After the alarm rang a few times, protesters got up, saying they made their point. An organizer told everyone to go back to their cars and go home.
Wendover Avenue and I-40 were back open by 8:30 p.m.
Greensboro Police said no arrests were made.