Several George Floyd Protests Planned This Week In West Chester

WEST CHESTER, PA — Multiple different demonstrations are being organized this week in West Chester to protest the killing of George Floyd.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation is organizing four events this week, daily at 5 p.m. from Monday, June 1 through Thursday, June 4, in front of the Chester County Courthouse.

The group, which calls itself a "militant organization in more than 90 cities" is calling for the protest to demand justice for Floyd and to "end racist police terror," according to organizers.

Separately, an event labeling itself as "West Chester BLM Peaceful Protest" will be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 4 p.m., also in front of the courthouse.

A Facebook group for the event was created on Monday and had more than 200 members as of Monday afternoon.

Organizers for that event urge all demonstators to be peaceful, and to wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Demonstrators are urged to bring signs.

Floyd, 46, died last week after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Minneapolis Police Department officer Derek Chauvin, who pressed his knee on his neck for several minutes while three other officers looked on.

Video footage of the arrest, in which Floyd is heard saying "I can't breathe," spread widely online, and all four officers were fired. Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter on Friday.

His death has sparked protests nationwide, and in some cases the demonstrations have turned destructive with looting and fires. Center City Philadelphia was trashed for blocks after rioters on Saturday smashed windows and spray painted buildings in the area of Chestnut and Walnut streets.

The West Chester demonstrations will follow a weekend demonstration at the courthouse West Chester, which was also peaceful and concluded without incident.

West Chester leaders have denounced the killing of Floyd, and pointed to "deep and structural inequity" that had infected society. "Upon watching the video of George Floyd’s arrest and death, we find this incident unconscionable. We want to express our heartfelt support for Mr. Floyd’s loved ones and friends. We acknowledge the pain this incident evokes among people of color, and the sadness it creates among all members of our community," Mayor Dianne Herrin and Chief of Police James Morehead wrote in the letter.

In a news conference Sunday, Gov. Wolf urged protesters to "honor democracy" while making their viewpoints heart. "Speak your mind, and speak it with peace," he said.