Stoughton Sees Peaceful Protests Over Death Of George Floyd

STOUGHTON, MA — A peaceful protest in Stoughton Center Sunday of the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died Memorial Day in the custody of the Minneapolis police, drew praise from Stoughton police.

Police said the protest lasted from 2 p.m. and ended around 4:30 p.m. Officers had reached out to the organizers prior to the demonstration and ensured them a safe place for their voices to be heard, police said.

"The protestors were organized, and they had a message to deliver," Stoughton police said in a statement. "We made efforts to accommodate their needs. This included calling for assistance from the Stoughton Public Works Department to redirect traffic and remove potential hazards left behind by the construction crew that has been working in the Stoughton Center for the last few months. We would like to commend the protestors for being a model of what a peaceful protest should look like."

Similar protests were held in Boston and dozens of other communities throughout the U.S. But in many places, the protests turned to violent. In Boston, at least 40 people were arrested, and in Minneapolis officials were deploying more National Guard troops after a fifth night of violent clashes between police and protesters.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara have all expressed outrage at the Minneapolis incident and that all four officers involved in Floyd's death should be held accountable. McNamara issued the following statement:

"On behalf of the Stoughton Police Department we wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of George Floyd our thoughts and prayers go out to them. We condemn the actions of the Minneapolis officers that stood by and did nothing to prevent this tragic ending. What happened to Mr. Floyd undermines the public’s trust of law enforcement all across the United States. Let’s be clear, there is no police defensive tactics training that authorizes kneeling on someone’s neck for any period of time.The men and women of the Stoughton Police Department demonstrate fairness, respect, compassion and empathy to all members of our community. The Stoughton Police Department will continue to strive to build the trust of the public on a daily basis."