Demonstrators Planning To Shut Down City Hall During Police Commissioner Vote

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Shut down City Hall. That's what some protestors are saying after reports of limited access inside City Hall during tonight's City Council vote to determine if Kevin Davis will get a permanent position.

Last week, 16 demonstrators were arrested overnight after dozens staged a sit-in during an initial hearing.

Before the arrests, dozens who disapproved of the vote chanted atop of the City Hall balcony  

Now, protestors tell WJZ they aren't being allowed on the balcony tonight.

According to our media partner The Baltimore Sun, a spokesperson for Councilman President Jack Young says the City Hall balcony will remain closed until repairs are made, which could be through the end of the year.

The spokesperson says several chairs had metal pieces exposed and several chairs off their frames.

Demonstrators, like the group Baltimore BLOC say the move is to silence their voices.

"[There's] nothing conspiratorial about this decision, [it] was purely for safety," said a spokesperson for Councilman Young.

Not long after Councilman Young's announcement demonstrators took to social media saying, " We won't just shut up or go away. 4 p.m. City Hall. #BaltimoreUprising #CityHallShutdown."

In a tweet Councilman Young says  no one will be turned away during tonight's meeting.

During the 4 p.m. scheduled gathering, protesters are planning to give an update on the demands they delivered to Interim Commissioner Davis last week.

The demands detail a "rule of engagement" or compliance, for peaceful protestors, Mayor Rawlings-Blake must fire Housing Commissioner Paul Graziano and the mayor must "divert $20 million for community schools and grassroots organizations in 2017."

Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis says he met with grassroot protest organizers over the weekend to discuss a mutual concern regarding police-protestor interactions.

"We ultimately want the same thing: a safe and peaceful environment where citizens can exercise their Constitutional rights. We've taken steps to ensure a better flow of communication, and I look forward to a constructive and productive relationship moving forward," Davis said.