Politics & Government

George Floyd Protests In NJ Continue: 'Police Brutality Ends Now'

While there was some violence, people across NJ rallied at peaceful protests in the name of George Floyd. More were planned; here's where.

Eric Kiefer's profile picture
Eric Kiefer, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|
People rally in Newark, NJ to protest the death of George Floyd on May 30, 2020.
People rally in Newark, NJ to protest the death of George Floyd on May 30, 2020. (Photo: Samantha Mercado/Patch staff)

NEWARK, NJ — It’s been less than a week since George Floyd died in the custody of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But since then, a massive wave of anger, outrage – and hope – has swept the nation, including New Jersey.

Protests were held in cities and towns throughout New Jersey, and Gov. Phil Murphy praised the crowds for maintaining social distance and wearing masks amid the coroanvirus pandemic, while also maintaining civility.

"The unity we displayed this weekend in New Jersey showed the world that we are ready to be the ones to help lead the way," Murphy said. "New Jersey is ready to fight the sin of racism and the stain it has left on our state and nation."

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

There were some reports of vandalism and violence. In Trenton, the protests began peacefully before some bystanders said a different group moved in and set a police car on fire, according to The Trentonian. See related article: Violence Follows Peaceful Protest In Trenton Over Floyd Killing

There were also reports of looting after a peaceful protest in Atlantic City on Sunday. See related article: Atlantic City Mayor Condemns Looting, Addresses Police Brutality

Find out what's happening in Newarkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

However, the majority of protests that took place in New Jersey were largely violence-free, reports say.

In Asbury Park, protesters gathered against "systemic racial injustice and police brutality." Organizers asked people to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Patch was covering the scene live: Asbury Park Protests For George Floyd On Monday (WATCH LIVE)

In Newark, local officials were praised for joining the thousands of protesters who filled Market Street on Saturday to protest police brutality. Signs listed the names of black men and women who died at the hands of police.

"I think for [them] to hold a rally is appropriate," Mayor Ras Baraka said. "In fact, people would have thought something was wrong if there was no rally to have."

The Camden County Police Department joined members of the community for a unity walk on Saturday. One widely shared image showed Camden County Police Chief Joe Wysocki marching with protesters and holding a sign that reads, "Standing in Solidarity."

The protests stem from the May 25 incident involving Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis police officer who kneeled on Floyd’s neck for several minutes during an arrest as three of his fellow officers stood by. and bystanders pleaded with him to stop.

Floyd, 46, who is black, was captured on video pleading for his life and saying “I can’t breathe.” It's a harrowing lament that's been picked up by protesters decrying his death as yet another example of police brutality.

Last weekend, protests in Floyd's name took place across the U.S. Although some states saw rioting and arrests, the rallies in New Jersey were overwhelmingly peaceful, aside from a handful of isolated incidents.

In Morristown, a Black Lives Matter vigil drew mourners from across Morris County. Morris Township Chief of Police Mark DiCarlo said he felt responsible to acknowledge the "horrific incident" and offered condolences to the family, friends and relatives of George Floyd on behalf of his department.

"We do not condone those actions and behaviors," he said. "As an agency, we have provided tools and equipment to our officers in order to have alternatives to the use of deadly force, as well as teach de-escalation techniques."

Three peaceful protests were held in Somerset County over the weekend in Somerville, Manville and Franklin. Protesters in Manville were captured on video as they marched along North Main Street holding signs and chanting "I can't breathe."

In Princeton, Courtney Navas, a local police officer, stood in solidarity with protesters on Nassau Street on Sunday.

The peaceful protest consisted of residents holding signs stating "Stand Against Racism," "Sooo.. it IS ok to Kneel? (I Can't Breathe)," "It IS okay to be white... it ain't okay to be racist! END stupidity," and "Honk To End Racism."

More than 300 residents of Haddonfield and the neighboring communities gathered in a peaceful display of solidarity, which included support from the Haddonfield Police Department.

The Long Branch community came together Sunday for a peaceful protest against the killing of George Floyd. "This is what it looks like when you have trust, love and respect for each other — law enforcement and its community members," one participant said.

In Bloomfield, the town saw a "very peaceful, productive protest," police stated.

"Now more than ever, it is critical that we come together as a community to chart a path toward equity and justice," Councilwoman Wartyna Davis said during a virtual vigil on Sunday evening.

Rallies in other parts of New Jersey, including Englewood and Paterson, were also predominantly violence-free, reports say.

The protests continued on Monday with a rally in Jersey City. As of about 1:45 p.m., there appeared to be dozens of people outside the south precinct, holding signs as officers barricaded the door.

Among the protesters was Mayor Steve Fulop, who said he was there "in solidarity."

Story continues below

MORE PROTESTS PLANNED IN NJ

Community activists and organizers are trying to keep the momentum from last weekend going with more rallies and protests in New Jersey.

Here's where some are slated to take place.

JERSEY CITY

The Black Men United coalition tweeted that a protest is planned for Jersey City on Monday. The group was asking interested participants to contact them directly via social media for the location of the rally.

Another protest is being planned for Jersey City on Saturday, June 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. in front of City Hall at 280 Grove Street, an eponymously named Twitter page says.

HOBOKEN

Nearby in Hoboken, a protest is being planned at Maxwell Park Place on Friday, June 5 at 1 p.m. That poster subsequently encouraged participants to wear masks, "maintain social distancing protocol," and bring first aid.

KEANSBURG, OLD BRIDGE

A gathering is planned in Keansburg on Tuesday. Protesters marching for justice for George Floyd say they will meet at 6 p.m. on the baywalk across from La Playa Mexican restaurant.

The same group is holding a protest at Lombardi Field in Old Bridge at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 4.

NEWARK, OTHER PROTESTS

Another Twitter user posted that there are rallies in the works on the following dates in Jersey City, Asbury Park, Newark, Middletown, Carteret, Union, Hoboken, Perth Amboy, North Bergen and West Orange.

At least one of the rallies, the June 5 event in Perth Amboy, has since been discredited by organizers. Another of the events, Tuesday's rally in Middletown, has been canceled and rescheduled for Keansburg at 6 p.m. the same day.

Patch was unable to immediately confirm the authenticity of the following events:

  • Monday, June 1 – Jersey City, Asbury Park (5 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, June 2 – Jersey City (vigil, 6 p.m.)
  • Thursday, June 4 – Carteret (4 p.m.)
  • Friday, June 5 – Union (1 p.m.), Hoboken (1 p.m.), Newark (unconfirmed), Perth Amboy (2 p.m.)
  • Saturday, June 6 – North Bergen (3 p.m.), West Orange (12:30 p.m.), Jersey City (4 p.m.)

Send feedback and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Newark