Toms River Police March With George Floyd Protesters

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Joined by Toms River and Ocean County law enforcement, a couple hundred demonstrators marched to the Ocean County Courthouse on Tuesday in a peaceful protest over the death of George Floyd.

Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer and members of their respective agencies joined the group, which chanted "Say his name — George Floyd," "Black Lives Matter," "Hands up — Don't Shoot" and "I can't breathe" as they marched from Kohl's in the Toms River Shopping Center, down Main Street to Washington Street.

"This is not about black or white, it's everyone vs. racism," said Katrina Garcia, a Toms River South graduate who was one of the march's organizers. "The fight for civil rights applies to everyone."

The protest later moved to Route 37, where demonstrators stood along the highway chanting and cheering as passing cars and trucks honked in support. The number in the group ebbed and flowed as temperatures heated up, and at one point, the group along Route 37 kneeled, single fists raised in the air.

At the courthouse, the group formed lines on either side of the sidewalk leading to the historic portion of the courthouse. There, Jamaal Holmes, a Toms River North graduate who was one of the organizers, thanked Little and Billhimer, before urging everyone in attendance to take a knee.

"It was important for everyone to see law enforcement in Ocean County stands with these demonstrators and supports peaceful protests," Billhimer said afterward.

"Standing in solidarity should not be controversial; it's crucial for the future generations," Garcia said. "Change stems from within, which is why even communities that have not experienced police brutality are coming together to stand against it."

Pastor Michael Mazer also addressed the group, offering prayer. "Your word teaches us that if part of the body burns the whole body burns. Let us feel the pain that the black community has at this moment and let us bring healing not only to the black community, but to the entire community that we will no longer look at people as inferior but rather that we are children of God."

The protest was one of dozens around the country and around New Jersey that have arisen in the wake of the death of Floyd, 46, who died after a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck on May 25 after being arrested following a 911 call reporting a counterfeit $20 bill.

Derek Chauvin, the police officer who was seen in multiple videos kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than 8 minutes before he died, was fired and has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter. Three other Minneapolis police officers involved in the incident have been fired but no charges have yet been filed against them.

Before the protest, Billhimer addressed rumors that swirled on social media about plans for violence in Toms River, saying they have not been substantiated.

"We are expecting a peaceful protest/gathering," Billhimer said in a statement issued Monday night. "We stand in solidarity with those that wish to protest peacefully. We are aware of rumors circulating on social media regarding this protest/gathering and there is no evidence at this time to support those rumors."

Garcia reminded the marchers that they need to set an example for the younger generations, who are watching these events unfold all over the country.

"This march is for us to be heard and seen and to lead by example," she said. "For it to be effective, we must remain focused and safe. To be taken seriously, we must remain peaceful."

Even as the protest moved to Route 37, it was peaceful into the afternoon.

Toms River police had a very visible presence for the morning march, and police and members of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department were in the parking lot of the Toms River Shopping Center monitoring the Route 37 group.

"It is our priority to maintain the safety of our entire community while allowing a peaceful demonstration," Toms River police said in a statement Monday. "Over the years we have built an amazing relationship with our community. We stand with you together."

The rumors have claimed people would be bused in from outside the area to cause damage and engage in violence similar to what has been seen in some cities across the country. Five businesses — four at the Toms River River Shopping Center and one downtown — boarded up windows at their stores. But others operated with seemingly little concern, moving sale items out onto the sidewalk for the day.

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