500 Gather At San Clemente Pier In Peaceful Protest

SAN CLEMENTE, CA —Nearly 500 gathered in peaceful protest of police brutality in San Clemente on Sunday, proving cooler heads could prevail.

The Black Lives Matter movement reached the San Clemente Pier one week after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, as his neck was knelt on by the police officer who detained him. Moral outrage at the deaths of black citizens such as Floyd has sparked pent up frustrations across the country. In the southland, several multicultural protests have ignited peaceful calls to action with those in attendance. Looting and vandalism are not part of these protests.

Protesters in San Clemente marched from North Beach, through downtown and ended at Pier Bowl.

When patrons of a bar and restaurant across the street jeered at the protesters, OCSD officers protected the right to assembly, even amid coronavirus. One inebriated heckler also stated, on the below video, "I'm gonna harass them." (This video may be disturbing to some.)

The message in San Clemente, Sunday, beyond the few bad actors, was one of frustration and hope for the future. Deputies stood by, honoring the constitutional rights of those who gathered at the San Clemente Pier.

"The demonstrations ended peacefully," they said. There were no arrests, no one was injured, and there was no property damage in San Clemente. "We have heard from our community and appreciate your support," they said.

During Southland rallies, such as one in the Fairfax District, participants were asked to speak the names of the lost, or brutalized, out loud. All in attendance were advised to vote in upcoming elections, and make sure their voices are heard.

While a few voiced their disagreement with the rally, San Clemente deputies maintained the peace.

The overwhelming response to the day was positive.

On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom shared that people trying to "exploit" protests to engage in looting and other illegal activity are "exploiting conditions, not advancing the cause of justice."

Newsom says that such actions do not serve the greater good.

"We need to also call that out. The looting, the violence, the threats against fellow human beings— that has no place in this state and this nation," Newsom said. "We, as a society, need to call that out."

Officials have invited the protesters to continue to meet peacefully and have their voices heard.