Police In US 'Take A Knee' To Show Solidarity With George Floyd Protesters In Emotional Scenes

The anti-racism protests are raging across the United States in the wake of George Floyd's death, who was killed after a police officer was seen kneeling on his neck while he was pinned to the floor.

In scenes both peaceful and violent across the country, thousands of protesters are taking to streets chanting "no justice, no peace" and "say his name. George Floyd." They are hoisting signs reading: "He said I can't breathe. Justice for George."

Reuters

The demonstrations came as Derek Chauvin, the officer involved in Floyd's death, was arrested and charged with one count each of third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

While the protests have been aimed at the recurring police brutality against the people of colour, the greatness of democracy was witnessed across various demonstration sites where police officers took a knee to show solidarity with the protesters and apologise on behalf of their colleagues.

In Florida, police officers in Coral Gables, took a different approach to protest marchers when they knelt in remembrance of George Floyd. It made for an emotional moment as protesters wear seeing teary-eyed.

AFP

Protests have been staged across the US and in Coral Gables more than 50 people were detained. However, far from the heavy handed approach of some law enforcement officers in the country, officers in the Florida city showed their solidarity by taking the knee as protesters passed. The marchers followed suit in a gesture that has made headlines across the US.

In another similar incident, as a non violent demonstration made its way in Philadelphia, one of the protesters stopped to see if he could find common ground with three police officers who were watching over the scene.

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The officers shook hands with protesters and then took a knee in solidarity.

The same thing happened in New York, where officers took the knee as protesters passed by a precinct in Queens.

Amid the angry demonstrations, multiple episodes showing police officers marching with protesters have also shown how humility and compassion is what a democracy is all about and that being brutal with protesters doesn't win people's trust.

A Michigan sheriff showed exactly the leadership required at this moment, when he joined protesters in Flint Township, putting down his weapon and saying, "I want to make this a parade, not a protest."

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Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson spoke with demonstrators who were met by police officers in riot gear, CNN reported.

"The only reason we're here is to make sure that you got a voice -- that's it," Swanson said in video clips shown on Twitter.

"These cops love you -- that cop over there hugs people," he said, pointing to an officer.

He was speaking to the crowd protesting police brutality and the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.