Editor’s note: We endeavor to bring you the most complete news coverage possible. Here is an article depicting the cities that have handled the George Floyd protests and riots poorly.
As riots continue to erupt in his name, George Floyd’s grieving loved ones have continued to plead for peace.
Floyd’s girlfriend of three years Courtney Ross said the outbreaks of violence would “devastate” him if he were still alive, while his brother Terrence took to the streets of Minneapolis on Monday, in an attempt to quell the violence. (RELATED: Tom Cotton Suggests Calling In The 101st Aireborne To End Riots)
“Peace on the left, justice on the right,” Terrence Floyd said.
Terrence Floyd, George Floyd’s brother, spoke at the scene of his brother’s death in Minneapolis.
Latest updates: https://t.co/l3XSxxQvUH pic.twitter.com/A3Kh5tgCmz
— The New York Times (@nytimes) June 2, 2020
Since video was released of the moments leading up to Floyd’s death, protests against racism and police brutality have erupted throughout the country. Many of the protests have turned violent, with many major cities in the U.S. having experienced riots over the past week. Some cities have done a better job of maintaining order than others.
The City of Flint, Michigan experienced a viral, feel good moment over the weekend when Sheriff Chris Swanson shed his riot gear to march with peaceful protesters. Swanson could be seen high-fiving them and ultimately leading a “parade” of peaceful protesters.
“I took my helmet off, laid the batons down,” Swanson said. “I want to make this a parade, not a protest.”
Amazing scene unfolding in Flint, Twp, Michigan. Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson has joined protesters in a peaceful march. Read More: https://t.co/4ioyUnymNv @MichStatePolice @GovWhitmer pic.twitter.com/nMCVuXQ0TZ
— Mid-Michigan NOW (@midmichigannow) May 31, 2020
Swanson has a history of taking a restrained approach towards law enforcement, vowing last month not to enforce strict coronavirus restrictions enacted by Democratic Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Other cities that have maintained relative law and order, include San Francisco, Miami, and Newark.
Most protests in the Bay Area have remained peaceful. While there have been incidents of looting and destruction, Democratic Mayor London Breed has strongly denounced the violence. Breed implemented an 8 P.M. curfew Monday, and has allowed law enforcement to take strong measures to protect the city. Police arrested over 80 people for violating curfew this past weekend, and have shown a willingness to use force against looters.
In Miami, large groups of protesters marched peacefully Monday, and went home hours before the city’s 9 P.M. curfew. The city of Newark, New Jersey has also been able to maintain order, despite massive outbreaks of violence in neighboring New York City. Democratic Newark Mayor Ras Baraka led thousands of protesters in a peaceful march Sunday, where there were no arrests, gunshots, or property damage.
While violence tends to dominate the headlines, these cities have shown that it’s possible to protest loudly and peacefully.