Hundreds gather for peaceful demonstration at Charleston's Colonial Lake

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — On Monday, hundreds of demonstrators were at Colonial Lake in downtown Charleston for a peaceful demonstration.

They marched around the lake for several hours with hopes of sending a message loud and clear.

Demonstrators held different signs and have different names. Though, together, they have one goal.

They were out chanting phrases like "black lives matter" and "hands up don't shoot."

"Usually, these types of things kind of drop off after the events happen, but people are showing that they are wanting to come out every single day and keep the charge going," demonstrator Benjamin Sackler said.

It was a chance to be united as one.

"We don't need to be divided. We need to come together, not through violence, but through peace and love, and building each other up," demonstrator Gerald Nunoo said.

Peace was a symbol of this downtown Charleston demonstration.

"The cops showed up. They walked with us. It was peaceful. This is what protesting looks like ya'll," said one demonstrator.

Some people said it was about everyone coming together and voicing a message.

A moment of silence lasted for nine minutes during the demonstration. ABC News 4 spoke with a Charleston Police Department officer who said he sat side by side with demonstrators during those quiet moments.

Demonstrators left right before Monday night's 6 p.m. curfew.