Because they went into the suburbs. White liberals saw the protests leave downtown and trespass on clearly marked private property, they kind of private gated community they all prefer to live in, even if their houses aren't as palatial. They can't ignore the "liberals get the bullet too" slogans forever.
Suddenly, the image of armed resistance wasn't bearded boogaloo bros with tac vests and meme patches. It was two barefoot senior citizens in business casual on their own front lawn. That's relatable to the people who drive home and park in their own "safe neighborhood" driveways.
I've said multiple times that the protesters are contained because they aren't going into the suburbs. Over the last week, the protesters seemed to have noticed it too, and they started edging into the suburbs, threatening more. They had an "eat the rich" march in Los Angeles, and Portland had one march originate in the suburb a few days ago.
Current theory: the BLM organizers know they've lost the edge, and don't want their energy to metastasize into background noise. So they're feeling out how an expansion would go. They want to gain ground somewhere, and the suburbs are the next bit of territory. They've also started more highway blocking, which is sure to get a reaction eventually.
Blackpill theory: They had counted on getting some Charlottesville-style martyrs by now, but instead they caused David Dorn. The two tactics above might be an attempt to force the issue.
Edit: making the point--Seattle is now marching through a residential area (not quite a suburb), chanting "out of your homes, into the streets!" Which should sound familiar to anyone from an authoritarian regime, circa 80 years ago.
View attachment 1426686