Huge Crowd Lies On Street In Hamptons Protest: 'I Can't Breathe'

BRIDGEHAMPTON, NY — It was a sight unlike anything the Hamptons had ever seen: Close to 1,000 people, black and white, young and old, waving signs that read "Black Lives Matter," "Justice for Floyd," "Silence = Violence" and "Be the Change" crowded Main Street in Bridgehampton during a protest Tuesday to cry out against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The group was passionate but peaceful as they marched from the Bridgehampton Community House to the monument and back twice, chanting "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" and "Black Lives Matter."

And then, in a dramatic show of solidarity, protesters lay on the street, hands behind their back, some with tears running down their faces, chanting "I can't breathe" for eight minutes and 46 seconds — the same amount of Floyd begged for help and cried out for his mother before he died with a police officer's knee pressed to his neck.

Some took a knee and others lined Main Street with signs on their cars.

"We are moved to action after the vicious and callous murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police," event organizers said. "We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters all over the country who demand an end to racist policing. We call on all appropriate agencies to arrest the other three officers who watched former officer Derek Chauvin kneel on Mr. Floyd's neck and ignored his cries for help."

Organizer Lisa Votino said the group also remembered two other recent victims of "deadly racism, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor and the sadly, all too long, list of other victims."

Votino, who brought her daughter Lily, 7, said, of the community: "Every time I ask them to show up in support of justice, fairness and inclusivity, they always do. People can bash the Hamptons all they want but our community here is a special, wonderful place and when something bad happens to our neighbors, our friends, our family, we're going to come and we're going to stand up."

Added co-organizer Willie Jenkins: "I'm glad that everyone's voice is going to be heard. The death of George Floyd, as unfortunate as it is, is causing a lot of awareness. We have to drive the message home: Racism, police brutality will not be tolerated. Protests should always be peaceful — but we will be heard and seen, and nothing is going to distract us."