Abington Students, Police Join In Peaceful George Floyd Protest

ABINGTON, PA — A large student-organized demonstration protesting the death of George Floyd was held in Abington on Thursday. The peaceful protest was joined by officers from the Abington Police Department, who knelt alongside protesters in a sign of solidarity.

Numerous demonstrators marched through town, starting at the high school, passing by the hospital, and gathering before the township building and police headquarters. Roads were closed to faciliated the march. Rain fell during protest but the crowd continued undeterred.

At one point the crowd knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. That was in solidarity with the amount of time that Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is accused of kneeling on Floyd's neck until he died. Police officers joined in taking a knee.

In addition to the local student organizers from Abington Senior High School, several area organizations joined in the demonstration, including the First Baptist Church of Crestmont.

Protesters carried signs and wore shirts reading "I Can't Breathe" and "8 Minutes 46 Seconds." Police held signs reading "Blue N Black not Black N Blue."

Many protesters wore masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Some protesters adhered to social distancing protocols.

In a statement, police said the event was "both inspiring and encouraging."

"The event was extremely peaceful and served to be a model for what a peaceful protest should look like," the statement read. "We look forward to working together to bring about meaningful change. We are all in this together and, in order to bring about peace we need to remember that we belong to one another. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Floyd and his family. May he rest in peace!"

A peaceful vigil in Floyd's honor, and in memory of all people of color unjustly killed, is also planned at the corner of Old York Road and Township Line Road on Friday, June 5, at 4 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods and non-perishable items for the needy if they can.