Local Public Defenders Office joins others across the country for peaceful protest

DOWNTOWN WILMINGTON (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Public Defenders Office joined other public defenders around the country to protest.

They protested against what they say is police brutality and racist policies.

Monday at City Hall, they held a silent protest for eight minutes and forty six seconds, the same amount of time George Floyd was restrained before he died.

Chief Public Defender Jennifer Harjo said enough is enough.

“That kind of conduct can not occur anymore. It has occurred too often. It continues to occur when the cameras aren’t rolling, and we’re frustrated and tired of it, and we’re saying no more.”

Harjo said they are still working on other solutions including demonstrations, and partnering with local organizations to bring change in the black community.