MINNEAPOLIS — Hundreds of demonstrators marched in force through the streets of Minneapolis Thursday night after Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced his decision not to charge two police officers involved in the fatal November shooting of Jamar Clark.

Several groups of protesters assembled throughout the day before converging at the Hennepin County Government Center, the Minneapolis Police Fourth Precinct and Plymouth Avenue where Clark was shot. People of all ages and backgrounds marched with one group, starting at Elliot Park and walking to the Hennepin County Government Center and finally Plymouth Avenue. The police kept their distance and blocked streets a block away to allow the protesters safe passage.

The protest organizers worked to keep the crowd motivated with chants and speeches and stressed that they were to remain non-violent. After gathering on Plymouth Avenue and blocking the street, an announcement was made for all protesters to remove any masks or bandanas covering their faces to make everybody feel comfortable. Most mask-wearers complied after several confrontations.

Members of Clark’s family were present at the protest and joined the crowd in memorializing the spot Clark fell with balloons, flowers, notes and candles.

Simeon Lancaster can be reached at lanc4637@stthomas.edu.