Salem Sees Peaceful Protest Over Death Of George Floyd

SALEM, MA — A peaceful protest n front of the Salem police station Friday of the death of George Floyd, a handcuffed black man who died Memorial Day in the custody of the Minneapolis police, drew praise from Mayor Kim Driscoll.

"Earlier this evening, a number of Salem youth led a peaceful rally in front of the Salem Police Department in memory of George Floyd and to demonstrate their solidarity with those seeking justice and demanding change," Driscoll said in a Facebook post. "Our young people, and particularly our young people of color, need to know they live in a community where they are seen, heard, cared for and respected."

Similar protests were held in Boston and dozens of other communities throughout the U.S. But in many places, the protests turned to violence. In Boston, at least one man was arrested and in Minneapolis officials were deploying more National Guard troops after a fourth night of violent clashes between police and protesters.

Protests throughout the U.S. came on the same day Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer seen in a bystander's video with his knee on Floyd's neck, was arrested and charged with third-degree murder.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross have all expressed outrage at the Minneapolis incident and that all four officers involved in Floyd's death should be held accountable.

"I am proud of the Salem youth who took part in today’s rally and know that we have more work to do to ensure that every member of our community has faith and confidence in our law enforcement and justice systems," Driscoll said.

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).