Death of George Floyd: many police show solidarity with protesters

Police officer kneels in support of protesters in Minneapolis on May 31, 2020. REUTERS / Jonathan Ernst

Text by: RFI Follow

For a week now, images of violent clashes between protesters demanding justice for the death of George Floyd and heavily armed police in riot gear have been around the world. But there are also other images that contrast with the iron fist policy that Donald Trump wishes to establish in the face of the demonstrations. Those of police officers who stand in solidarity with the black community and join the protesters.

Publicity

Read more

"  We really want to be by your side. So I'm going to take off the helmet and drop the baton. I want to make this demonstration a parade not a protest  . ” 
These are the words of the sheriff from Genesee, Michigan, who joined this Sunday, May 31, rallies against racism in the American police.

A sheriff joined a protest in Flint, Michigan, after speaking with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear, according to CNN affiliate WEYI.

"I want to make this a parade, not a protest," Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson said. https://t.co/zy6p5QbSLH pic.twitter.com/1Cgce89VP1

  CNN (@CNN) June 1, 2020

He is not the only white member of the security forces to show solidarity with the black community. In Houston, Texas, the police chief walks arm in arm with an African American woman during a demonstration.

In California, the Santa Cruz police department tweets: "  We support peaceful demonstrators and we protect them  ." At Coral Gables in Florida, dozens of police officers kneel, a protest popularized by American football star Colin Kaerpernick against police violence against the African-American community.

SCPD is fully supportive of peaceful protests @CityofSantaCruz and we always keep them safe.

Hundreds gathered on Pacific Ave in #SantaCruz, taking a knee together in memory of George Floyd & bringing attention to police violence against Black people. PhotoCredit @Shmuel_Thaler pic.twitter.com/EmfAfcIZaM

  Santa Cruz Police (@SantaCruzPolice) May 30, 2020

In all these cities, the police are opting for de-escalation, while Donald Trump urges the governors to, as he says, "  take over  " the demonstrators.  

Newsletter Receive all international news directly in your mailbox

I subscribe

Follow all international news by downloading the RFI application

google-play-badge_FR

  • United States
  • Racism
  • Justice

On the same subject

George Floyd dies in Minneapolis: official autopsy finds homicide

Protests in the United States: Who are the “radical leftists” targeted by Trump?