'I Can't Breathe': Protesters Chant In Somerset County, Video

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Three peaceful protests were held in Somerset County over the weekend joining cities across the country protesting the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Floyd, 46, was killed after then Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Video, which captured Floyd saying "I can't breathe," went viral, and sparked the nationwide protests.

Edie Velcheck, who organized the Manville protest with Jasmine Griffith, read a speech before starting the march down Main Street.

"Today we stand as one.. speaking with one voice.. to say enough is enough.. enough violence and enough fear.. we are all human, we all bleed, we all fear and we all love. It is time we get with the times and learn a new behavior, our society as we know will continue to perish. We will no longer sit by and watch the injustice of our people go on," said Velcheck.

"Today we are here to gather in peace for all of those who’s voices have been lost amongst the chaos that has erupted in our country. If you are here today with thoughts of anger, we ask you to redirect those feelings and use them for positive awakening as we move forward to reshape our community into one we will all be able to raise our children in, in harmony. We thank you for being here with us today, never forget their names, shout them from the rooftops.. the world is ours... peace be with you all," said Velcheck.

The protests were held in Somerville, Manville and Franklin. Protesters in Manville were captured on video as they marched along North Main Street holding signs and chanting "I can't breathe."

Similar protests were held on Main Street in Somerville and in Franklin — all of the protests remained peaceful.

Jasmine Bannon organized the peaceful protest in Franklin with about 200 people who attended. The Franklin Township Police and the Millstone Valley Fire Department helped with the event, according to Franklin Township Police Lt. Frank Rizzo.

"It is important that we do not allow the events occurring around the nation to divide us now. We have work to do, but it is possible when we do it together. The men and women of the Franklin Township Police Department take pride in the relationship they have with the community. I can assure you that our officers will treat everyone they encounter with professionalism, dignity and respect. My command staff and I hold our officers to the highest standards possible. All police officers take an oath to never betray their badge, integrity, character or the public’s trust. Officers must also hold each other accountable," said Director Quovella Spruill.

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