Police Officers Joined Protesters Marching Against Brutality In Many Cities

Mark Pygas - Author
By

Updated June 1 2020, 8:57 a.m. ET

dcfcefeba
Source: EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty Images / twitter

We often tend to focus on the bad, and in recent days, that focus has been on clashes between protesters and police amid national demonstrations sparked by the death of George Floyd. In many cities, tensions have boiled over and led to violence on the part of both protesters and police.

Article continues below advertisement

But in many cities across the country, both sides have been respecting each other and engaging in peaceful protest. And in some cities, this cooperation has gone even further, with police joining demonstrators in their marches, and carrying signs condemning police brutality.

An officer of Fargo Police in North Dakota held the hand of a protester as well as a sign that read: "We are one race. The HUMAN race."

Article continues below advertisement

In Orlando, Florida, two officers held hands with demonstrators.

Article continues below advertisement

In Flint, Michigan, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson joined protesters in their march on Saturday.

"The only reason we're here is to make sure that you got a voice -- that's it," Swanson said. "These cops love you -- that cop over there hugs people."

Protesters asked Swanson to walk with them, to which he responded: "Let's go, let's go. Where do you want to walk? We'll walk all night."

Article continues below advertisement

In Ferguson, Missouri, police also took a knee.

Article continues below advertisement

The Santa Cruz Police Department were also among those in California to take a knee in memory of George Floyd and to bring attention to police violence.

Article continues below advertisement

Bellevue Police Chief Steve Mylett knelt with demonstrators as they remembered George Floyd.

gettyimages
Source: David Ryder/Getty Images
Article continues below advertisement

He later hugged one of the protesters.

gettyimages
Source: David Ryder/Getty Images
Article continues below advertisement

Cops in Kansas City, Missouri, reportedly brought their own signs to protests there.

Article continues below advertisement

Miami Dade County officers also took to a knee with demonstrators.

Article continues below advertisement

As did Lexington Police.

Article continues below advertisement

"In Camden, New Jersey, protesters took to the streets to peacefully protest racial injustice. When police saw them marching, they did something. They decided to join them."

Article continues below advertisement

The police chief of Schenectady, New York, also took part in marches there.

Article continues below advertisement

Portland riot police knelt in solidarity with protesters.

Article continues below advertisement

Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo walked arm-in-arm with demonstrators during an event in the city.

gettyimages
Source: MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images


Article continues below advertisement

Police in Des Moines, Iowa, knelt from behind their barriers.

"This was heartwarming to see in Des Moines," Chris Hassel of CBS explained. "As the curfew hit at 9pm CT, downtown protestors said they wanted the police to kneel with them for a couple minutes and they’d go home. Police kneeled, protestors dispersed."

Article continues below advertisement

Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo knelt at the spot where George Floyd was killed.

Article continues below advertisement

Police in Coral Gables, Florida, took a knee with demonstrators in memory of George Floyd.

gettyimages
Source: EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty Images
Article continues below advertisement

Brad Koch, with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, also took a knee.

Advertisement

Latest Trending News and Updates

    Opt-out of personalized ads

    © Copyright 2024 Engrost, Inc. Distractify is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.