Monessen joins in protests

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Shouting “No justice no peace, prosecute the police,” and eliciting honks of support from drivers passing by, protesters gathered Friday afternoon along Eastgate Avenue in Monessen.

They were voicing their opposition to the death of George Floyd, a black man in Minneapolis who died after a white police officer used his knee to pin Floyd against the ground.

The protest, which started at 2 p.m. with about a dozen people, grew in size throughout the day as others learned about the event on social media.

The Monessen protest occurred along with demonstrations across the country showing support for Floyd — and other black men — who have died while being arrested by police.

“We’re doing what they’re doing across the country because we’re tired of police brutality and racism,” said Monessen resident Devona Carter. “We have the support of the mayor (Matt Shorraw). We’re coming together to let our voices be heard. We want to give our point of view.”

Floyd’s death has garnered national attention, and has resulted in demonstrations across the country. In Minneapolis, the National Guard was called to quell riots, fires and looting.

Floyd, 46, died on Monday after pleading “I can’t breathe” while a white police officer pressed his knee into his neck in an encounter that was captured on video by a bystander.

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