Demonstrators blocked the entrance to Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California, on Thursday, March 22, during a march demanding justice for Stephon Clark.
The Sacramento Bee reported protesters formed a human chain across the doors of the arena, delaying the Sacramento Kings – Atlanta Hawks tipoff. The game was delayed at around 7:10 pm, while the Kings released a statement that fans wouldn’t be allowed entry.
“Tonight’s game began with a delay. Due to law enforcement being unable to ensure ticketed fans could safely enter the arena, the arena remains closed and we ask fans outside to travel home. We will issue further information soon regarding a refund,” the statement said.
The demonstration, organized by Black Lives Matter Sacramento, started at the city’s city hall, before hundreds of protesters marched down the street, blocking intersections and main roads.
The protests came after Clark , 23, was shot at least 20 times by two police officers at his grandparent’s backyard on March 18. He was holding a cellphone at the time. Police released video and audio recordings of the incident on March 21. Credit: Darlesia via Storyful