George Floyd Protest: Video Shows Peaceful March In The Caldwells – Caldwells, NJ Patch

CALDWELL, NJ — A peaceful protest against police brutality took place Tuesday evening in the Caldwells, just one of many that have been happening across the nation.

Prior to the event, multiple social media posts announced that a “solidarity march to end police brutality” would take place at 7 p.m. Participants planned to meet at Grover Cleveland Park in Caldwell and march to the gazebo near the library.

Organizers wrote that people should bring signs, and added that social distancing would be enforced and “face masks and gloves were required.”

“Our voices must be heard, but the safety of our community is our number one priority,” a flyer for the event stated. “We ask protesters [to] observe all CDC guidelines.”

The West Caldwell Police Department also stated that a march and vigil in Floyd’s name will take place in Caldwell and West Caldwell. According to police, the march will begin at Grover Cleveland Park and end at Crane Park, where a candlelight vigil will be held in remembrance of George Floyd.

“Those attending the event please remember that the threat of COVID has not disappeared,” police said. “Remember your social distancing and safety measures to keep one another safe.”

“Please expect traffic delays and detours in the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Clinton Road from approximately 7 to 9 p.m.,” police stated.

After the rally, video and photos showing a peaceful rally emerged on the internet.

A large wave of protests took place on Saturday across New Jersey, including a massive-yet-peaceful rally in Newark. With some exceptions, the protests were overwhelmingly non-violent, in contrast to others across the U.S.

Protests are slated to continue this week throughout the state.

CALDWELLS: COPS SPEAK OUT ON POLICE BRUTALITY

It’s been less than a week since George Floyd died in the custody of police in Minneapolis, Minnesota. But since then, a massive wave of anger, outrage – and hope – has swept the nation.

On Sunday, the North Caldwell Police Department offered a statement about Floyd’s death, writing that the video footage is “unacceptable, tragic and inhumane.”

“All four officers involved MUST be held accountable for both their actions and for their lack of action to stop this senseless death,” the NCPD stated.

On Tuesday, Caldwell Mayor John Kelley and Police Chief James Bongiorno offered their own statements about Floyd’s death.

“The Borough of Caldwell, represented by the governing body, denounces the actions of the four Minneapolis police officers and decries George Floyd’s murder as a tragedy,” Kelley wrote, adding that Caldwell strives to be a welcoming, inclusive and just community.

“As mayor of Caldwell and resident of the state of New Jersey, I recognize that police brutality is a manifestation of the systemic racism to which black Americans – Mr. Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery, among countless others – fall victim each day,” Kelley continued.

“The Borough of Caldwell, affirms that accountability is essential for all public services, including policing,” Kelley said. “The death of George Floyd should be cause for sorrow and anger for all Americans. These historic times are pivotal in our nation’s history. The Borough of Caldwell stands in solidarity with those who fight for a more just world.”

Bongiorno said that his thoughts and prayer are with Floyd’s family.

The chief wrote:

“As a law enforcement officer, it is our job to protect and serve, and as I watched that horrendous video of Mr. Floyd being murdered, I was disgusted and angered at what had happened. Law Eenforcement failed at their job and it resulted in an unacceptable ending. I was also extremely disgusted with the other officers on scene who did nothing and completely failed at their job; as stated earlier police officers protect and serve, and they failed horribly at their job and need to be held accountable for their inaction. Law enforcement is held to a higher standard where we are trained to treat everyone with dignity and respect at all times, no matter the circumstances, no matter the person, as all lives matter. Leaders in law enforcement need to work to ensure this never happens again as we work to earn the trust of the community we serve; trust is earned and not just expected because we wear a badge. A step towards regaining trust is for police leaders to question and denounce actions that are wrong and hold those officers accountable to ensure they do not happen again. As the chief of the Caldwell Police Department, I can assure you that every police officer will continue to be guided by the three initiatives associated with Excellence in Policing, Professionalism, Accountability, and Transparency.”

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