DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – After gathering outside Dallas City Hall this afternoon, hundreds protesting the death of George Floyd began marching in Dallas. According to a tweet from the Dallas Police Department, just after 3p.m., there were roughly 700 protesters marching northbound on Akard Street turning westbound on Main Street.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Police Chief Renee Hall called for peace today In a press conference at Dallas City Hall. “Dallas today is hurting. Our city has been hit hard by COVID-19; emotionally, physically, and economically, said Johnson. An emotional Johnson explain he would be in West Dallas this afternoon eulogizing one of his ” favorite cousins, and mourning with his own family.”
In response to the peaceful part of the protests in Dallas on Friday, the mayor said he “respects the call for justice in the memory of George Floyd” of Minneapolis.
“Dallas is a strong city, and Dallas is a resilient city. We’ve been through extraordinarily painful times before. When we see lives and livelihoods upended in this city, our neighbors extend their hands and they ask how they can help. Yes, we acknowledge that Dallas, like any city has its share of problems, but we have always been a community that talks openly about its issues. We’re a city that works toward solutions to our problems. And we do that in this city by working together.”
Following Mayor Johnson, Chief Renee Hall spoke from behind a podium at City Hall, but was not wearing a mask. With several protests and marches scheduled throughout parts of the Dallas Fort Worth area, Chief Hall’s comments were short, but firm. “What I want you to be clear about with me today so there is no ambiguity, this police department will not tolerate rogue vandalism. We will not tolerate tearing up our city. We will not tolerate tearing up our communities and bringing hurt, harm, or danger to individuals who are protesting and definitely not the ones who are protecting the residents of this community.”
There are two protests scheduled in Dallas today. Hall vows that Dallas Police will be out in full force and police will enforce the laws of the city of Dallas.
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