COLORADO SPRINGS — The second day of protests in Colorado Springs demanding justice in the death of George Floyd started at 10 a.m. Sunday morning.
Demonstrators gathered at the US District Court Magistrate building before walking two laps throughout the downtown area and ending up in front of the city hall building. At this point, the crowd had more than doubled.
Crowd of demonstrators gathered in front of US District Court bldg holding signs that say “Not 1 More” & “We Demand Justice,” shouting: “Say his name! #GeorgeFloyd!” They are also shouting names of others who have been killed by police. @KOAA #GeorgeFloydProtests pic.twitter.com/3pKE6XZLwA
— Jessica Barreto (@BarretoReports) May 31, 2020
Crowd of demonstrators has moved to City Hall in downtown Colorado Springs. #GeorgeFloydProtests @KOAA pic.twitter.com/eD01uolo17
— Jessica Barreto (@BarretoReports) May 31, 2020
Speakers advocated for peace, saying they condemned looting and other criminal behavior, while stressing the need for accountability in the death of George Floyd and others who have recently died in police killings.
"Everybody gets angry when its deserved, and right I feel like right now we are allowed to be angry," said event organizer Troy Good.
Across from the crowd was Joshua Will, who, instead of bringing signs, showed up holding an American flag with an AK-47 strapped to his back. But he was there to share the same sentiments.
"I definitely support the family of George Floyd," Will said. "I think it's horrible what happened to him and I really don't agree with what the police officer did at all."
He just wants to make sure this message can be conveyed peacefully.
"I plan to support whoever is being peaceful. And if that's the protesters, then I'm supporting them. If that's the officers supporting the peace."
This group also made a point to support the peace, as they marched without incident until organizers officially concluded the protest shortly after 1 o'clock in the afternoon. (The crowd, however, didn't scale back.)
"If we can just keep this peace right here and we can let our voices be heard the right way, I think it's going to be really impactful," Good added.
