On the afternoon of May 21, citizens and militia forces retreated the martial law forces and police to the outskirts of the city and took over the entire city including the Jeonnam Provincial Office. Citizens and student committees were formed to discuss solutions. The martial law forces retreated from the city and sealed off the outskirts of Gwangju. Hospitals in Gwangju were filled with citizens with gunshot wounds and those who were assaulted by martial law forces While doctors and nurses treated the patients with dedication citizens voluntarily participated in blood donation to reduce the casualties of the wounded. Under the security control of the militia, the crime rate had decreased, revealing the maturity and peaceful character of the protests of Gwangju citizens.