Yahoo News George Floyd killing: hundreds of thousands turn out for huge protests across US
Hundreds of thousands of demonstrators marched in cities across the United States on Saturday in what were some of the largest protests yet seen in the unrest triggered by the killing of George Floyd by a white Minneapolis police officer.
At the same time, a long line of people, some chanting “No justice, no peace”, waited outside a church in North Carolina for a memorial service for Floyd as ceremonies to mark his life and mourn his death continued.
In Washington thousands gathered at numerous rallies , from the Lincoln Memorial, to Freedom Plaza, to Capitol Hill. The atmosphere was peaceful and full of chanting and shouting, though there was a heavy security presence, including members of the national guard.
The White House also now stands behind a new, reinforced fence, lending an element of siege to a presidency, city and country in turmoil after a fierce debate about racism and police brutality was triggered by Floyd’s death.
Washington had prepared by closing certain streets to vehicles and telling drivers to avoid coming into the city if possible.
Thousands gathered at different spots around the city in the early afternoon, and started to converge into one large demonstration. Hundreds of protestors kneeled for nine minutes outside a Senate office building, in homage to Floyd.
In some places in the city the atmosphere seemed almost like a street party, as TV showed images of demonstrators talking to soldiers standing in combat fatigues next to their Humvees. In another protest, players and staff members for the NFL’s Denver Broncos marched from the state capitol to the Civic Center park downtown.
“We as a black community need our white brothers and sisters to explain to the rest of the white brothers and sisters out there what it means for ‘Black Lives Matter’,” said player Justin Simmons.
In New York City, multiple protests emerged in the late morning, as they have every day for more than a week. A group of teachers marched in downtown Manhattan holding up a banner that read “Black Students Matter” and signs demanding an end to the school-to-prison pipeline.
A demonstration packed Washington Square Park with thousands later in the afternoon.
Protests unfolded in many other cities as the day continued.
Thousands marched through the streets of Chicago, chanting and waving signs. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was hopeful that peaceful protests would continue through the weekend, but a nightly curfew remained in effect. The city also hired three private security firms to protect shops, grocery stores and pharmacies.
In Philadelphia, thousands of people demanding justice for Floyd marched peacefully through the city chanting “No justice, no peace!” Demonstrators gathered near the Philadelphia Museum of Art and its celebrated “Rocky” steps, then set off for city hall, where they chanted at police officers and national guard members.
About 100 protesters gathered at Donald Trump’s golf resort just outside Miami in a protest organized by Latinos for Black Lives Matter. Many carried signs saying “vote him out” and “don’t be a bunker boy”, the latter a reference to reports that the president went into the White House bunker when protests in Washington grew more violent.
While previous days of protests have seen violent crackdowns from police against protestors, Saturday’s huge demonstrations have so far appeared peaceful as huge crowds move through their city’s streets.
In North Carolina, a hearse carrying Floyd’s body arrived Saturday morning for a public viewing of his casket and private memorial held in Hoke county in the southern state. Hundreds of people from the area came to pay their respects. A group of mourners on horseback visited the church in tribute to Floyd.
Floyd was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina – a city just east of Hoke county. Though he spent much of his life in Houston, much of Floyd’s family is still there, the Charlotte Observer reported. Only family members were invited to a funeral to be held in the afternoon, though it was broadcasted live.
The governor of North Carolina ordered flags to be raised at half-staff on Saturday in Floyd’s honor.
The memorial in North Carolina is Floyd’s second. A memorial was held at a university in Minneapolis, two miles from where Floyd was killed. A third and final memorial will be held in Houston, where Floyd will be laid to rest.
Meanwhile, two Buffalo police officers pleaded not guilty to assault after video emerged of them pushing a 75-year-old to the ground during protests over Floyd’s death. The man was shown bleeding after striking his head as he fell.
When the police officers left the court building earlier on Saturday, they were greeted by dozens of their colleagues who were cheering for them.
Aaron Torgalski and Robert McCabe have both been suspended over the incident, which was viewed millions of times on social media and triggered widespread rage. Buffalo police initially said the man had tripped during a confrontation but the city’s mayor later condemned the incident.
