Malden PD: 'The Power Of people Is Greater Than People In Power'

MALDEN, MA—Hundreds of students and the community came together Friday for a peaceful protest and march that began at Malden High School and proceeded to Lincoln Common Park

The event, like many across the country, was held in memory of George Floyd, the 46-year-old man who lost his life May 25 while in police custody. The Malden Police Department called the event "powerful" as participants called for unity, justice and a change in police policies.

"The Malden Police Department was there in great number because we wanted to walk with you, stand alongside you and to listen to what was said with our ears and hearts open to the message of pain and anger that was powerfully expressed and heard," the police department posted on its official Facebook page.

Floyd's death has attracted strong reaction from people all over the country, including that of Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis who recently said the four officers involved in death "failed to act as human beings."

"On a personal and professional level, I am admittedly repulsed in saying that it was a police officer because in my opinion the one presently accused of murder and those who were present and wearing badges failed not only as police officers...they also failed to act as human beings," Molis said.

Several Malden High School students, who the police department referred to as "amazing," organized Friday's march for unity.

"They deserve our enduring pride, gratitude and our commitment to working together to identify and remove those things that divide us and to know and understand the things that can unite us," the police department said. "The power of people is greater than people in power. Your Malden Police Department remains committed to advancing the cause of justice with you and alongside you."

The protests and marches all over the United States come more than a week after Floyd's death. On May 25, former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin placed his left knee in the area of Floyd's head and neck for about nine minutes as Floyd remained face down on the ground.

Court records show that officers were arresting Floyd for using a fake $20 bill to buy merchandise at a Minneapolis business. Floyd later died in handcuffs after saying that he was struggling to breathe during the arrest, video shows.

Video of Friday's March of Unity:

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• Malden Police Chief Speaks On George Floyd's Death