In the midst of protests and violence across the United States since the death of George Floyd and subsequent arrest of a Minnesota officer, moving scenes have unfolded as some of the cities’ police officers knelt down with protesters.
In New York, police officers were seen to kneel down with protesters for a solemn moment of peace on Saturday.
"I definitely didn't expect that," said Aleeia Abraham, who shot a video of the incident, reports CNN. "I've never seen that."
Police officers across the United States kneel with protestors, and still others march beside protestors calling for an end to police brutality. California, Missouri, Iowa, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, North Dakota, and Washington, D.C. https://t.co/F1HSUV4I8H
— moiracathleen (@moiracathleen) June 1, 2020
Abraham, who runs an organization called The BlaQue Resource Network in Queens, said she had never seen police do such a thing in all her years of activism.
However, she insisted that merely a show of solidarity is not enough.
"That's great, it's a good sign, but what we're really looking for is action," she said.
"I'll be even more impressed when we're not stepped on and gunned down. That's the moment I'm looking for."
In Miami, more than 50 people were arrested after peaceful protests escalated Saturday night.
However, many protesters were surprised when some policemen chose to kneel down in a show of unity.
Demonstrators & Police Chiefs from Miami Dade County kneel and say a prayer following the death of #GeorgeFloyd @wsvn #MiamiDade #7News #wsvn @OfficialJoelF pic.twitter.com/TurQB2C36y
— Franklin White (@FranklinWSVN) May 30, 2020
Pictures provided by Miami-Dade Corrections spokesman Juan Diasgranados showed demonstrators and chiefs of police from Miami-Dade County kneel and pray following the death of Floyd, reports WPTV.
“As leaders of this profession, we (Chiefs and Community) must all do better at improving on our training and protocols so that our efforts towards building and maintaining community trust are not lost or overshadowed,” said Diasgranados.
The scene of peace was in sharp contrast to the pictures in other cities of burning cars, looting, and confrontations between protesters and police.
“Transparency during this time is key to demonstrating Law Enforcement’s commitment to serving and protecting our residents with dignity, humanity, and respect," said Diasgranados.
More protests are planned on Sunday in cities across America, including in West Palm Beach, Stuart and Vero Beach.
