Thousands of protesters streamed out of New York City’s Washington Square Park on Saturday to protest the killings of unarmed black people by police officers, as part of the “Millions March NYC.” The crowd wound its way up Fifth Avenue, chanting “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” A large labor union contingent was present, including members of the Communications Workers of America wearing red shirts and AFL-CIO supporters waving blue signs. Protesters held up 8 panels depicting Eric Garner’s eyes, created by the artist JR. “The eyes were chosen as the most important part of the face,” said artist assistant Tony Herbas, 31, of Bushwick. In contrast …
Thousands of protesters streamed out of New York City’s Washington Square Park on Saturday to protest the killings of unarmed black people by police officers, as part of the “Millions March NYC.“
The crowd wound its way up Fifth Avenue, chanting “Hands up! Don’t shoot!” A large labor union contingent was present, including members of the Communications Workers of America wearing red shirts and AFL-CIO supporters waving blue signs.
Protesters held up 8 panels depicting Eric Garner’s eyes, created by the artist JR. “The eyes were chosen as the most important part of the face,” said artist assistant Tony Herbas, 31, of Bushwick.
In contrast to other marches in recent days, this large, orderly demonstration took place during the day. A number of families with children took part, and demonstrators followed a pre-planned route.
At times, the march blurred surreally with Santacon — the sloshy daytime celebration of Christmas (and drinking) that New Yorkers hate on every year.
The march was scheduled to make its way uptown to Herald Square, then loop back down Broadway, culminating at One Police Plaza.
Saturday’s day of action came in response to two separate grand jury decisions not to indict police officers for killing unarmed black men. On Nov. 24, a St. Louis County grand jury voted not to indict Police Officer Darren Wilson, who fatally shot Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Less than two weeks later, a Staten Island grand jury declined to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who killed Eric Garner by putting him in a chokehold.
Brown’s death on Aug. 9 triggered months of protest in Ferguson against police killings — protests that have since spread nationwide.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
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Thousands March On NYPD Headquarters To Protest Police Killings
