Protesters Stream Onto Closed Interstate 676 in Center City

A portion of Interstate 676 in Center City, Philadelphia, was shut down Sunday as protesters marched onto the highway.

City officials shut down the highway between I-76 and I-95 as people protesting racism and police brutality, and calling for the resignation of Mayor Jim Kenney, walked onto the roadway.

The crowd later moved off the highway and continued marching through Center City. I-676 reopened later in the afternoon.

I-676 is the same highway where Philadelphia police tear gassed civilians and reporters June 1 during widespread protests following the death of George Floyd, who was handcuffed when he died in Minneapolis as a police officer knelt on his neck.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Commissioner Danielle Outlaw admitted that the use of tear gas in response to protesters on I-676 back on June 1 was wrong. The incident commander who responded was demoted while another officer was suspended. They also banned the use of tear gas. NBC10's Lauren Mayk has the story.

Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw have admitted fault and apologized for the use of tear gas.

Police also gassed people in West Philadelphia May 31 during a day of widespread looting. Some of those who suffered the effects of the gas that day, though, were neighborhood residents not taking part in the protests.