WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A group says they will meet Saturday at 1 p.m. at Wichita Police Department’s Patrol North Bureau on East 21st Street to bring awareness to police brutality.
On Monday, George Floyd died after an officer kneeled on his neck. A prosecutor said Derek Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter on Friday.
“So that we can continue to move forward and we don’t have to continue to have issues and instances of more videos like Mr. Floyd,” said Precious Smith, organizer.
The organizers say it will be a peaceful event in protest of Floyd’s death. They say gathering peacefully is necessary to not distract from the message.
“Our children need to learn how to peacefully protest,” said Smith. “Our society needs to see that we’re not all trying to burn down buildings. Just as we want the example of not all officers are bad, we expect that from the police, the police should be able to expect that from us as well.”
City councilman Brandon Johnson said the demonstration is the way to bring awareness and change, so he will be speaking to those who are attending the protest.
“Often times when these things happen, it evokes a strong response and we want to get out there and we want to show our support of solidarity with our brothers and sisters of different spaces,” said Johnson. “I definitely understand folks wanting to be out there. I will personally be at the one o’clock protest as well and stand with the community.”
Those attending are encouraged to wear face masks due to the coronavirus pandemic.
KSN spoke with police who did not want to go on camera to discuss how they will be responding to this demonstration and march, but they said they will be on hand.
