Denver City Council canceled its regular meeting Monday in anticipation of a second takeover from protesters demanding more checks against the mayor, the defunding of police and myriad other changes.
The fear is that too many people in council chambers at a single time without social distancing creates a coronavirus infection risk for those in attendance, Council President Jolon Clark said.
This is the second meeting the council has canceled this year amid ongoing protests over police violence against Black people.
Last week scores of protesters interrupted the council’s meeting for more than two hours, repeatedly refusing Clark’s request to socially distance. Many said they were willing to accept the risk of contracting COVID-19 to voice their concerns.
However, that risk extends to council members, city staff and citizens in attendance for other business, Clark said. And the council is not yet prepared to safely hold meetings with large groups of people.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
