Protest On Enfield Town Green Moves to Police Department [VIDEO]

ENFIELD, CT — Hundreds of people of all ages, sizes, races and backgrounds gathered peacefully on the front portion of the Enfield town green Thursday to express solidarity in the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. Officially beginning at 3 p.m., protesters carried signs and chanted for nearly an hour and a half before many left the green and walked down Elm Street to the Enfield Police Department, nearly two and a half miles away.

Chants included "Say his name," with "George Floyd" in response, as well as "I can't breathe," which Floyd repeatedly said while being held to the ground by a police officer whose knee was on Floyd's neck. Floyd later died, and the officer has been charged with murder.

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Many of the signs being carried read "Black Lives Matter," while others contained varying messages: "No Reform = No Justice = No Peace," "White Silence Brings Violence," "Use your privilege and opt in for those who can never opt out," and one which simply stated, "Enough." Several signs encouraged passing motorists to honk their horns, which was obliged in full force for the entire time.

Around 4:15 p.m., many of the demonstrators began walking down Elm Street to the police station, with officers assigned to stop traffic at each intersection to allow safe passage for the walkers. Upon reaching the public safety complex, the group was met by Police Chief Alaric Fox and many officers. Despite not granting a request to have the officers kneel, Fox and the police department members joined the group and "prayed together and that addressed the immediate concerns," Fox said.

Video: Tim Jensen/Patch