Silence Reigns Outside Montclair Precinct During Peaceful Protest

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Hundreds gathered outside the Montclair Police Department Headquarters on Saturday as part of a protest march of solidarity organized by Montclair Citizens for Equality and Fair Policing and the For the Peoples Foundation.

Silence reigned as protesters paid respects over the death of George Floyd, who died on Memorial Day while in police custody.

This Montclair rally follows a large wave of protests across New Jersey, including a massive rally in Newark.

Last Sunday, a caravan of vehicles was seen driving through Montclair, honking their horns and displaying signs that read "Black Lives Matter."

On Tuesday, dozens of protesters lined up on Bloomfield Avenue, hefting signs that read "Silence Is Not An Option," and "I Can't Breathe, a harrowing reference to Floyd's desperate plea to the officer who knelt on his neck.

According to photographer Armando "OUTthere" Diaz, who has been documenting local rallies, it's been especially inspiring to see how many children have been in attendance.

"These kids will be our future CEOs, policeman, politicians, etc.," Diaz wrote in an Instagram post. "And I think it's great that their parents wanted them to see this and understand injustice and to have those important conversations."

• See related article: Messages Of Hope, Outrage In Montclair Over George Floyd's Death

Other actions to honor Floyd and denounce police brutality are reportedly slated to continue this week throughout the state, including in Montclair.

• See related article: George Floyd Protests In NJ Continue: 'Police Brutality Ends Now'

This story contains reporting by Eric Keifer.

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