Wednesday protests end peacefully in Downtown Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Multiple protests were held in Wilmington on Wednesday in honor of alleged police brutality victim George Floyd, and all remained peaceful.

First, around 3:00 p.m., Wilmington Police Interim Chief Donny Williams hosted a march from the Police Department Headquarters to 1898 Memorial Park. He was joined by New Hanover County Sheriff Ed McMahon, UNCW Police Chief David Donaldson, and other law enforcement organizations.

Mayor Bill Saffo and several other elected officials also participated, as well as the general public.

Once the group arrived at the 1898 Memorial, several pastors spoke for a total of about nine minutes. This represented the roughly nine minutes fired Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin pinned George Floyd’s neck under his knee before Floyd died. Chauvin is now charged with second degree murder.

Black Lives Matter activists also marched from City Hall to join in. However, some questioned why police and sheriff’s deputies were carrying guns in a peaceful protest.

Wilmington Police spokeswoman Linda Thompson responded.

“I realize for some people when they say peace, they want everything one way, but of course as sworn police officers they are on duty, they have to have their weapons,” Thompson said. “They weren’t using them, but it is a part of their uniform. We also have to be key that we have to provide safety. Unfortunately there are individuals who don’t want things to go peacefully.”

Thompson says Chief Williams planned the march as a way to show his support for the protesters.

“He’s already met with several of the protest leaders. I’ve sat in on some of those meetings and they’ve been very grateful for our response, especially the last couple of days,” Thompson said. “They’ve made some suggestions, we’re taking those suggestions, we’re doing the research.”

She also says Chief Williams is inviting protest organizers to visit the Wilmington Police Training Center and experience the department’s de-escalation training firsthand.

Around that same time, protesters began gathering at City Hall, and stayed until the 9:00 p.m. curfew, marching through the streets from time to time. Unlike some previous nights, the demonstration was completely peaceful.

Around 8:45, the group began reenacting the last nine minutes of Floyd’s life, chanting “please, don’t kill me!” and “please, I cannot breathe!” They began to disperse at 8:55.

Wednesday night’s demonstrators want to make sure their protest has impact beyond this week.

“Don’t forget any of the names,” said participant Javonne Lewis. “Not just the ones on this poster, but any of them. Find those names, learn those names, don’t forget those people.”

Protesters have requested permits to assemble each night through Saturday.