The protests started in Bogotá, the country's capital, following the torture and murder of Javier Ordóñez by police officers while in custody on 9 September 2020.
[2] In response to the protests, Defense Minister Carlos Holmes Trujillo announced a disciplinary hearing for the officers involved in Ordóñez's death and said, "the National Police ask for forgiveness.
[6][7] On September 9, 2020, various civil and political sectors in Bogotá called for peaceful demonstrations in response to the murder of Javier Ordóñez and the multiple cases of police abuse that preceded him.
[13] These peaceful demonstrations were accompanied by acts of vandalism that provoked the response of the National Police, questioned for, allegedly, having caused, throughout the country, injuries and the death of both protesters and passers-by.
The presence of the Mobile Anti-Disturbance Squadron (ESMAD), a special unit of the Directorate of Citizen Security (DISEC) of the National Police of Colombia, has been notable for its participation in these violent events.
[14] As the hours progress, the National Police opens fire, causing the death of more than 13 people in different parts of the city and leaving more than 54 wounded with firearms, in addition to 400 injured due to blows with blunt elements, kicks and fists.