Protests over the death of George Floyd have now spread across the United States and the world. Unfortunately, demonstrations in some areas have given way to violence on both sides. In Minneapolis and Los Angeles, shops have been broken into and cars set alight by protesters. On the other hand, the police have been accused of being too heavy-handed and even arrested a CNN reporter.
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With these images dominating headlines, it can be hard to see that the majority of protests are still going on peacefully. In many cities, police have joined demonstrators in their marches, and in others, there have been incredible scenes of people coming together to speak out.
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."
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In Louisville, Kentucky, a police officer was reportedly protected by demonstrators after he became separated from his team.
A police officer was separated from his team during the protests. He was about to be attacked by a mob until a group of the protesters surrounded him and protected him.
There are good protesters out there. Don’t let their message be overshadowed by the looters and rioters! pic.twitter.com/g6lzWSX5Jf
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.
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_Thalerpic.twitter.com/EmfAfcIZaM
— Santa Cruz Police (@SantaCruzPolice) May 30, 2020
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Another huge group of demonstrators in Colorado decided to lay of their faces with their hands behind their backs chanting “I can’t breathe.”
Incredible scene at Colorado’s Capitol right now. Thousands of protesters are lying face down with their hands behind their backs chanting “I can’t breathe.” They’re doing this for 9 mins. #copolitics#denverprotest#GeorgeFloydpic.twitter.com/PaABvp8ZoM
— Colorado Times Recorder (@COTimesRecorder) May 30, 2020
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Protesters in the capital intervened and performed a citizens arrest on a man who appeared to be breaking a sidewalk apart for projectiles.
🚨🚨🚨
Protestors in DC handed the white dude who was about to provocate the protest to the police.
Cops in Kansas City, Missouri, reportedly brought their own signs to protests there.
Apparently cops in Kansas City joined the local protest against police brutality. And my first reaction was to say something smart ass. But this is truly a start. pic.twitter.com/e3sUwaR16h
"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."
In Camden, NJ, protestors took to the streets to peacefully protest racial injustice.
When police saw them marching, they did something.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo walked arm-in-arm with demonstrators during an event in the city.
Source: MARK FELIX/AFP via Getty Images
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The streets of Long Beach, California, were packed with people.
Crazy how the Long Beach protests didn’t get any media coverage until people started looting. Forget broadcasting these lovely photos of our city’s peaceful protest, but as soon as a store’s front window is broken, all of a sudden, Long Beach is all over Channel 7... pic.twitter.com/Gw6SxDeot7