Peaceful "I Can't Breathe" Protest Planned For City Island

Protest planned for 5:30 p.m. this Thursday

Posted

Daytona Beach, FL - Members of Daytona's police department, clergy, city government and other community groups come together to announce a peaceful protest planned for this Thursday (June 4th).

The protest, known as the "I Can't Breathe Peaceful Protest," will be one of Volusia's latest demonstrations in memory of George Floyd, who was killed by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin back on May 25th.

Organizations such as the NAACP, the Daytona Beach Black Alliance, the Bethune-Cookman University School of Religion and other activists will be present, along with city leaders.

Additionally, the Daytona Beach Police Department will be present at the event to "ensure the safety of those participating and that of the general public," according to their Facebook post.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Craig Capri spoke about the event earlier today at a press conference with some of Daytona's clergy members and city leaders. Capri also denounced the actions of Chauvin, who now faces charges for third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in the death of Floyd.

"I don't consider (him) a police officer. I consider him a murderer for what he did," said Capri. "We need to come together as a community and as a nation in peace."

Daytona Beach Police Chaplain Pastor Monzel  Ford spoke after Chief Capri and commented on recent protests around the area, saying that, so far, Daytona Beach has not had any trouble with protesters. With that in mind, Pastor Ford said that the police department wants to continue bridging the gap between officers and the community.

"We are in solidarity with you, we feel for you and we acknowledge what we saw was wrong," commented Ford.

This will be Volusia's fourth protest and Daytona's second protest this week. Attendees are asked to bring face masks, hand sanitizer, bottled water, bull horns as well as posters and signs.