Black Lives Matter Protest Planned In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — A Black Lives Matter protest is set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Gille Park. The local event comes amid a worldwide wave of protests against police brutality and systemic racism.

"The sin of racism is absolutely alive in just about every single town, even though many people may deny that it exists," said Elizabeth Shearin, who organized the Facebook event.

She also commended Lacey police for their "absolute support of this protest from the very beginning."

"Lacey police officers have proven to me that they are a 'cut-above' other officers and want to prove that they are not just cops, they are GOOD cops who are sickened by police brutality," Shearin said.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a face mask and bring homemade signs. Violence, illegal activity and derogatory remarks toward cops won't be tolerated, according to the Facebook event.

Many protests have taken place throughout Ocean County and the world since the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Floyd, a black man, was handcuffed and lying face down on a Minneapolis street Monday when then-officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds. Floyd became unresponsive after 2 minutes, 53 seconds, according to the criminal complaint.

Lacey police have been in direct contact with organizers to ensure a peaceful walk, according to Chief Michael C. DiBella.

"Our number one priority is to maintain the safety of our community while allowing a peaceful demonstration," DiBella said. "As a police department, we fully support the first amendment rights of everyone, and we are taking every precautionary measure to ensure this is a peaceful event."

Click here for the Facebook event.

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