Protestors Downtown March Against Police Violence
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It was a familiar scene in Baltimore City as dozens of protestors marched through the streets. It was all part of a nationwide day of action against police violence.
Rick Ritter breaks it all down.
It was a lot more peaceful than recent protests we've seen. Still, it drew a very heavy police presence as protestors continue to demand change nationwide.
Blocking traffic and chanting for hours, Sky Eye Chopper 13 captured a sea of protestors taking over Baltimore City streets.
On the ground, it was a message that extends beyond signs in hand.
"It's time for people to stand up and tell them we ain't taking no more," said Lee Patterson, Baltimore People's Power Assembly organizer.
A message stretching across the country Thursday. Nationwide, protests from Chicago to Boston ended with police cutting chains demonstrators used to link themselves together.
It was all an effort to put an end to police brutality.
"It takes for a cop to get killed for them to wake up and realize that we've been getting killed for years," said Marcus Arvin.
Afternoon rush hour in Baltimore drew a heavy police presence. Dozens were marching in honor of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.
"There's also our local case like Anthony Anderson, like Tyrone West," said Sharon Black, Baltimore People's Power Assembly.
West died while being taken into Baltimore police custody. His sister, Tawonda Jones, was just one of hundreds who showed up in Annapolis Thursday and actually got the chance to speak directly to delegates during their second day of session, voicing her concerns.
"We had a powerful discussion and I'm praying that all goes well," Jones said.
READ: Review Of Tyrone West City Police Custody Death Reveals Flaws
Protestors wanted to deliver a letter to Commissioner Anthony Batts at city police headquarters, but say they were restricted from making their way there.
Many say with no noticeable changes being made in the city, there's no end in sight.
"We're going to get stronger. We ain't backing down for nobody," Patterson said.
Baltimore City Police no arrests were made at the protests.
At the demonstration in Boston Thursday, police arrested more than 20 people.
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