Report by Paula Antolini, June 8, 2020,6:58AM EDT
(Photo ©2020 Bethel Advocate)
A few minutes ago the Bethel Police Department issued a statement about yesterday’s ‘Black Lives Matter’ protest that took place in Bethel, CT, at 12 noon, beginning with a gathering of about 300 people in P.T. Barnum Square that eventually grew to about 500.
The Police statement read, “We would like to acknowledge the citizens of Bethel and beyond for a well organized and productive event yesterday. It was an amazing representation of passion and dedication by all who participated. This event was exemplary of how discourse and discussion should be handled if we ever wish to see a positive outcome.”
Yesterday’s protest was peaceful and well covered by the local police department as they blocked off Greenwood Avenue, Library Place and School Street, where the protestors walked on their way to the CJH Municipal Center lawn. It was here that speeches were made on the front steps of the building by featured speakers, and also very emotional statements about the problem of prejudice in America, were made by random individuals who chose to speak on the mic.
The crowd also kneeled for 8 minutes, to represent the amount of time African American George Floyd had a knee on his his neck by a Minnesota police officer while other officers restrained him, and he shouted, “I can’t breathe,” and he died.
There was a police presence for the entire event.
View our full story, photos and video of the event, to come shortly.
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