Death of George Floyd: when the police kneel at the request of the demonstrators

The scene only lasted a few minutes but the symbol is strong. Monday, June 1, in front of the Trump Hotel in Washington, the police officers in charge of protecting the site accepted the challenge shouted by the demonstrators: "Kneel down! Put your fucking knee on the ground!" After the signal from one of them, all the officers took turns.

In front of the Trump Hotel in Washington, the police kneel at the request of the demonstrators who demand justice for the death of #GeorgeFloyd #TakeAKnee #BLACK_LIVES_MATTER pic.twitter.com/O6Lq2G6pHA

The gesture has a special meaning. In 2016, African-American football player Colin Kaepernick knelt down several times during the American national anthem to protest against the "oppression" of people of color and racist police violence. Donald Trump and his Republican allies, angry at what they saw as disrespect for the flag, had called for a boycott of the NFL, the National Football League. Colin Kaepernick's political activism, close to the Black Lives Matter movement, cost him his career as a quarterback.

Strong images

Several years later, the kneeling is again adopted by the demonstrators who march in memory of George Floyd, this African-American killed by the police of Minneapolis last week. The gesture is all the more symbolic since his death occurred after being suffocated under the knee of a police officer.

This time, certain police officers and political leaders join the movement, offering strong images of understanding between two camps, usually opposed. On Monday in Santa Cruz, California, the mayor and the city's police chief knelt with the protesters. The mayor of San Francisco, London Breed, did the same. This kind of scene has been repeated all over the country.

WATCH: Police officers across the country kneel and march in solidarity with protesters. pic.twitter.com/QnuWcH6fPL

Even in the world of sport, tributes of this kind are increasing. Mönchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram dropped to one knee, his gaze turned to the ground, after setting a goal on Sunday.

"Show us your respect!"

Protesters took every opportunity to challenge law enforcement on Monday in Washington, but the success near the Trump hotel has not been repeated. "Why don't you resign?" For example, they asked a motorcycle policeman they had just surrounded near the United States Congress. "Kneel down with us, show us your respect!" The motorcyclist, who cut his engine for several minutes to lower the tension, refused to put his knee on the ground.

"Why don't you resign," protesters say to a motorcycle police officer near Congress in Washington. Kneel down with us, show us your respect, ”they say. #BLACK_LIVES_MATTER #georgesfloyd #TakeAKnee pic.twitter.com/3tz3VmMPeN

In front of the Capitol, at the end of the demonstration, a man yelled in vain in front of the aligned police officers: "If you do not show your support and continue to protect this racist system, how is it going to be able to change? I Understand that you have to do your job. But understand us too. In other states, police chiefs join the crowd. We're in the capital and you can't even kneel on the ground! Who do you serve ? The 1%? "

Some police officers, if they did not kneel, showed their solidarity with the demonstrators. On Saturday, a Michigan sheriff took off his helmet and asked his men to put down their sticks. "We really want to be with you," said Christopher R. Swanson, before asking the protesters, "What can we do?" "Walk with us!" Replied the crowd. The parade that followed lasted several hours. "We are walking with you because all you are asking for is a voice and dignity for all, no matter who you are," said the sheriff. "I love you guys. The police love you."

Law enforcement's decisions about how to engage with demonstrators can make all the difference.

Flint, Michigan—> The County Sheriff joined a group of largely Black protesters in their march for justice. #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/IhJcXObcFg

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