VERO BEACH, Fla. — Police and protesters united Thursday for a pair of rallies in Vero Beach following the death of George Floyd last month in Minnesota.
Before the start of a peaceful "Black Lives Matter" rally in downtown Vero Beach, police held hands with demonstrators and led them in prayer.
Afterward, hundreds of people took to the streets, marching with signs and chanting rally cries like, "No justice, no peace."
Vero Beach March for #georgefloyd begins with a prayer led by @VeroBeachPD @WPTV @SavanahResnik pic.twitter.com/pG4S7CA5AP
— Meghan McRoberts (@MeghanWPTV) June 4, 2020
Several hundred people marching down 14th ave in Vero Beach for #georgefloyd @WPTV pic.twitter.com/PDGxLpNuPj
— Meghan McRoberts (@MeghanWPTV) June 4, 2020
In an incredibly powerful moment, police officers knelt with protesters in a nearby park, observing a moment of silence for Floyd.
WATCH VIDEO OF RALLY:
Protestors, @VeroBeachPD take a knee to show unity, that they too, don’t stand for police brutality @WPTV @SavanahResnik pic.twitter.com/hKvJGVdAq8
— Meghan McRoberts (@MeghanWPTV) June 4, 2020
A second demonstration was held at 5 p.m. in front of the Vero Beach Police Department. That rally was organized in conjunction with Vero Beach police.
The Vero Beach Police Department posted about the event on Facebook:
"All members of the Vero Beach Police Department strive to have the best relations possible with our community.
We are here to LISTEN. Come out and join us at this event, and PLEASE talk to us with your grievances. We will gather on the front steps of our building* in solidarity. This is also a great time to get to know our officers! If you are unable to attend, you can show your support with a honk! Rain or Shine we will be there!"
Police and those in attendance had a moment of silence for George Floyd "and the injustice that was perpetrated," the Facebook post read.