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Protest in reaction to George Floyd killing held in Downtown Huntsville

Demonstrators marched for hours after George Floyd, and unarmed Black man, was killed by a White Minneapolis police officer.

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Hundreds marched in solidarity throughout Downtown Huntsville following the death of George Floyd, and they're calling for the conviction of the Minneapolis police officers involved.

Protestors were filled with passion. They marched near the Madison County Courthouse, and often chanted 'I can't breathe', 'Black Lives Matter', or 'No justice, no peace'.

"We want change and we want it now. My people are here. My people are hurting. We are tired. We are fed up and we are not going anywhere," says Aaron Horton.

One military veteran explained the danger he feels at home in the U.S. "It's really a shame that I can be overseas, and I'll feel like I'm safer - I'm safer in Afghanistan, I'm safer in Kuwait, I'm safer in Iraq," says one protestor.

Another protestor explained the killings of unarmed black women, such as Breonna Taylor from Louisville.

HAPPENING NOW: Peaceful protest held by folks here in Huntsville.

Posted by WZDX Huntsville on Saturday, May 30, 2020

'Breonna, Breonna, I'm from Kentucky before I moved here. So, Breonna's senseless death was awful and preventable. The police have to be held accountable. Sandra Bland, the police have to be held accountable," says Noelle Hunter.

"I stand in solidarity with all other sisters, who also say that we don't want to die. As Black people, we are done dying," added Hunter.

There was a slight disturbance during the protest. One person claiming someone had thrown a beeping device or possible bomb in a gutter. But it was all clear.

Protestors say it's time for a change in approach. "Watched him die for eight and a half minutes, and he had a look on his face, like he was squishing a bug! We have to do something different!"

The leader of this protest, Caleb Snell, says it's important for people who are White to use their voices and be allies also.

"I can't as a citizen of this country stand idle, and allow stuff like this to happen without standing up for it," says Snell.

Huntsville joins several cities across the country in Saturday's demonstration. 

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Continued coverage of protests for the murder of #GeorgeFloyd

Posted by WZDX Huntsville on Saturday, May 30, 2020

Protest in reaction to killing of George Floyd Madison County Courthouse, Huntsville

Posted by WZDX Huntsville on Saturday, May 30, 2020

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