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Protest over George Floyd’s death at police hands comes to Lock Haven

‘I can’t breathe’

LOCK HAVEN -- There were no barriers between police dressed in riot gear and protesters daring them to come closer. There was no violence or destruction. There was no swearing or yelling of profanity.

Local law enforcement officers stood among the protesters sharing conversation at the corner of Jay and East Main streets and then walked with them side-by side through downtown Lock Haven, as they chanted "Black Lives Matter," "I can't breath," "Silence is not an option," and more.

This protest against racism and injustice, police brutality and fear was a peaceful gathering and orderly march of nearly 200 people who came out to let their voices be heard following the death of George Floyd, a black man killed by Minneapolis police officer Devin Chauvin last week.

The death of Floyd and arrest of Chauvin for murder has set off protests, not only in Minnesota, but throughout the country, many of then turning violent with buildings burned to the ground and police and protesters battling one another.

But not in Lock Haven.

This protest on Monday afternoon was exactly what it was meant to be according to organizer, Destiny Urena, of Lock Haven.

"We're not here for violence. But we have to make noise and let people know there is a problem. This is a broken system. People are dying and it's not okay. It's not a black versus white problem. It's a system versus humanity problem, and it's got to change," Urena said as she spoke to the crowd.

"I can't believe it… in this little town," she said, looking at the large crowd, the vast majority of whom wore masks.

"We are here to be peaceful. We're not here to destroy the town. We are here to be heard. Police are not arresting us, but supporting us.

"We're tired of the injustice. We're tired of the fear. We've been tired for a very long time. When I scream, 'I can't breathe' … how can you breathe in a world full of hate. We deserve to be Americans living in the home of the free. I can't breathe and I won't stop until I can," Urena continued to a loud round of applause.

Candice Packer of Lock Haven was among a small group of family members and friends who stood along the curb on Jay Street holding signs.

As vehicles passed through the busy intersection, they blew horns and hooped and hollered at the protesters, expressing their support of the activists. Some squealed their tires as they rounded the turn.

"We came out to show support and solidarity using our voice to support those who can't speak right now. It's important that we acknowledge the systemic racism in our country in order to begin healing and reconciliation.

"We will not let violent protesters overshadow our voices. We will fight unconditionally," Packer continued.

Aimee St. Patrick said she doesn't agree with the violence, but understands it.

"They protest and protest and nothing changes. I'm a veteran and I layed my life on the line for people to have the right to protest. I fought alongside people of color… more than any others. It's time for change," St. Patrick said.

One of the signs read, "Police stop police," referring to the three other police officers who stood by and did nothing as Chauvin pushed his knee onto Floyd's neck even as the man cried out, "I can't breathe," until Floyd went unconscious and died.

Another sign told exactly how long Chauvin held his knee on Floyd's neck -- 8 minutes and 46 seconds -- long enough to kill Floyd.

Jerome Klumb and Jennifer Lofton of Lock Haven also stood among the crowd holding signs.

"I'm here to stand up against police brutality and the murder of George Floyd," Klumb said.

"I've seen it happen so many times and it's not OK to stay silent," Lofton said. "It's just reached a boiling point, but I will not judge anyone whose anger has spilled over."

Klumb continued, "I understand their anger but I don't agree with destroying your own community. Peaceful protests just aren't doing anything. They don't feel they have any other choice to make their voices heard."

The protesters marched up Main Street and stood across the street from City Hall, many of them kneeling for a moment of silence and prayer.

They again marched through town and ended in Triangle Park to continue to let their voices be heard, peacefully.