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Calls for change in Fort Pierce march supporting Demarcus Semer

Posted at 12:00 AM, Sep 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-24 00:11:27-04

Dozens marched the streets of Fort Pierce just days after a grand jury cleared two police officers in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Demarcus Semer.

Family and friends made it clear they will continue to fight.

The point of the peaceful protest was to call for justice and change.

"We want our streets to be safe, but we want to be safe on our streets also," says Vanecia McCrary.

Prosecutors say Semer's actions back in April gave the officers reasonable belief their lives were in danger.

Family members argue Semer had no criminal record.

At the rally, city commissioner Reggie Sessions demanded all officers be equipped with body cameras, but also more transparency.

"Guarantee the citizens that they do have that in place," says Sessions.

They hope their voices can be heard.

"Work together and maybe changing some policies and some ways things have been done that will bring the trust back to the community," says Pastor Eldrew Baldwin.

Those at the rally plan to attend the next Fort Pierce Commission meeting to urge city leaders to make changes.