Second Peaceful Protest Planned To Take Place In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Days after a peaceful protest occurred in front of the Stamford Police Department this weekend, a second demonstration has been planned to take place Wednesday, June 3, in the city. According to a recently created "March For Justice" Instagram page, the peaceful protest will start at Scalzi Park in Stamford and make its way to the police department.

Those participating will meet at JM Wright Technical School, located on Bridge Street, before the march begins at 7 p.m., according to the post.

The peaceful demonstration was organized in light of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and deaths of other minorities at the hands of law enforcement. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

The page stresses that the protest will be peaceful and the organizers "do not promote violence." Those participating are also encouraged to wear a face mask to further prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

According to the page, the march will take place "rain or shine," so participants are asked to bring an umbrella or poncho, "just in case," as well as a flameless candle if they wish.

"For anyone who has any concerns," a post on the page reads, "the march will be led by local social workers and concerned members of the community. There will be police presence."

The demonstration is the second to pop up in the city over the past few days. On Sunday, protesters gathered in front of the department's headquarters after making their way through the city, carrying signs and chanting things like "I can't breathe" and "justice for brunch."

In a series of tweets Sunday afternoon, Norwalk Hour reporter Erin Kayata posted photos and videos of the peaceful demonstration, during which Stamford Police officers could be seen in areas where the protesters marched and gathered. A few officers in gear could even be seen on the department's roof.

See also: Protesters March Through Stamford, Gather At Police HQ: Report

Once gathered outside the department's headquarters, the protesters continued chanting and some made speeches. Police Chief Timothy Shaw could be also seen in a video expressing his support for the demonstration and a desire to "move forward."

On Monday, Stamford Police expressed their support of the peaceful demonstration on social media. In a Facebook post, the department said they were proud of all who participated in Sunday's protest, as well as the department and Shaw.

"We are proud of our chief, our police department and all the protesters who conducted themselves passionately, but peacefully [Sunday]," police said on Facebook. "Protesters were able to demonstrate their voices professionally and with dignity."

Included in the post was a picture of Shaw kneeling alongside protesters during a moment of silence.

"We stand together, united, and believe that there's no place for discrimination and police brutality in America," police said.

See also: Stamford Police Show Support For Peaceful Protesters

Mayor David Martin also released a statement late Sunday afternoon regarding the peaceful protests.

"Police brutality against people of color has gone on far too long in our country," Martin said in a prepared statement. "It demands clear action on the state and federal level, but it begins with grassroots efforts. The organizers of Stamford's protest today were resolute in peacefully demonstrating their outrage at the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd in Minneapolis."

Martin also expressed his support for the Stamford community, as well as Shaw.

"Although the reason for today's gathering is tragic, I am very proud of Stamford's community for quickly uniting around a common goal of better treatment for people of color who are all too often treated unfairly in our country," Martin said. "I am also grateful they provided Police Chief Tim Shaw an opportunity to speak at today's protest and participate in an eight-minute kneel of silence to respect the memory of George Floyd."

See also : Thousands Protest In CT Over Death Of George Floyd: Live Updates

Protests over Floyd's death began after he died while being forcibly arrested on Memorial Day by Minneapolis police. The protests later spread to major U.S. cities including Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and now here in Connecticut this weekend. Fired police officer Derek Chauvin, the officer seen in a viral video with his knee of Floyd's neck, has been arrested and is charged with third-degree murder.

The deaths of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ky., and Floyd sparked a movement for justice across the country. While protesters mobilized in Connecticut, numerous local law enforcement agencies and groups issued statements condemning the actions by police that led to Floyd's death.

On Friday, Shaw posted a statement regarding Floyd's death on the department's Facebook page.

"The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis is very disturbing and there is no excuse for the actions of the officers," Shaw said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to family of George Floyd as well as the people of Minneapolis during these trying and tragic times. I would like to assure the residents of Stamford that we are just as disappointed as you are and do not want the behavior of those officers to affect the relationship we have built within our community. We will continue to hold ourselves to the highest standard."