Demands For 'Justice' In Bloomfield Over George Floyd's Death

BLOOMFIELD, 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.

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

Here are some of the messages that have recently emerged from the township.

'A PATH TOWARD EQUITY AND JUSTICE'

Mayor Michael Venezia, town council members and community faith leaders hosted a virtual vigil on Sunday evening in Floyd's name.

"Tonight’s vigil is about bringing the community together so that we can begin to heal following this horrible tragedy," Venezia said. "We are strongest when we stand together united as one in solidarity. This is a time for us to demand justice and pray for peace in our country."

"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. "Thank you to Mayor Venezia for quickly putting this together and for our community faith leaders and the town council for taking part in this."

Watch a video of the online vigil here.

BLOOMFIELD POLICE: LOCAL PROTEST WAS 'VERY PEACEFUL'

The Bloomfield Division of Public Safety issued the following statement on Sunday.

"Last night, members of the Bloomfield Police Department along with several other agencies responded to Newark to assist with the protest over the appalling death of George Floyd.

"The actions and force used by the Minneapolis Police Officers in the video are absolutely inexcusable and unacceptable. These officers must be held accountable for not only their actions, but inactions, that were inconsistent with any training and procedures of our profession.

"Today, the Township of Bloomfield experienced a very peaceful, productive protest. We as a department welcome everyone's right to express themselves, with the understanding that these protests are done peacefully and within the parameters of the law without damaging property, harming citizens, or our police. Please know that The Bloomfield Police Department will always support all people; regardless of race, sex, religion, or beliefs.

"Incidents like this undermine efforts of law enforcement all over to build community relationships and trust with those we have sworn to serve and protect. The actions of these officers should not discredit the millions of other men and women who wear a badge.

"The Bloomfield Police Department offers our utmost condolences to George Floyd’s family during this unimaginable time."

‘BRUTALLY MURDERED’

U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. of New Jersey’s 10th District said that Floyd was “brutally murdered.” While Chauvin has since been arrested, the congressman also called for Minneapolis authorities to file charges against the other three police officers who participated in the incident.

Payne wrote:

“I want to extend my full support to all Americans who have taken to the streets to protest systemic racism in cities across the country. Mr. Floyd’s death is just one of far too many recent and historic police actions nationwide that have killed unarmed African Americans. These repeated incidents erode our faith and trust in democracy. As a nation, we were founded on the belief that all men and women were created equal regardless of race and that all of us have a universal right to life and liberty. These protestors are practicing their Constitutional right to peaceful assembly and all elected officials as well as public servants should respect and honor that. But the key word is peaceful. I understand how the frustration and anger of a peaceful protest can turn violent. There are times when such actions are necessary, such as the time a band of American patriots protested taxation with their actions during the Boston Tea Party. However, violence is never the answer. It only allows aggressors to justify the excessive force that has come to characterize the arrest and detention of blacks in America.”

Payne represents several towns in Essex County including part of Bloomfield.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Bloomfield Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters