Annapolis protesters join chorus of rage across country in wake of George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis police custody

By BROOKS DUBOSE


CAPITAL GAZETTE |
MAY 30, 2020




https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/ac-cn-annapolis-george-floyd-protest-20200530-5l5pyil5mfaqjdxzw2q6w4gb5m-story.html





Annapolis protestors gathered at the Alex Haley memorial in downtown Annapolis Saturday to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who was killed after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for almost 9 minutes including several minutes after Floyd stopped moving, according to a video of the incident.


Floyd’s death has sparked protests across the country, including in Baltimore where several dozen protesters marched through the city Friday. More protests are scheduled in the city for Saturday and Monday. Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis cop fired after the incident, was arrested Friday and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter four days after Floyd’s death during which time protests included damaging property and clashes with police and other bystanders.


Floyd’s death was disappointing and disgusting, said Alderman DaJuan Gay, D-Ward 6. The incident was filmed by a bystander, showing the length of time Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck.


“We have to stand together for solidarity to let people know that we’re not satisfied with it,” Gay said. “I think it speaks for itself. It was disappointing. That was disgusting to see.”


Protesters gathered at City Dock with plans to march throughout Annapolis and finish at Whitmore Park. The march started at noon. As the protestors walked through the city — many of them wearing face masks as recommended by health officials — they chanted “No justice, no peace” and “I can’t breathe." The latter line was said by Floyd before he went limp as well as Eric Garner, a New York black man also killed in police custody.


Crowds were obviously larger than state-mandated gathering limits, but police did not get involved dispersing the crowd as the protest remained peaceful throughout the walk. Police exercised similar restraint when Marylanders protested Gov. Larry Hogan’s lockdown orders.


Mayor Gavin Buckley and other local leaders spoke out this week on the killing. County Executive Steuart Pittman went as far as calling a press conference to address the incident.


“The horrific events that took place a few days ago in Minneapolis are deplorable and unacceptable. What George Floyd experienced was not normal police procedure,” Buckley said. “No one should suffer such brutality. Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Floyd and to the people of Minneapolis. Annapolis shares your struggle for justice.”