Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo Marches with Protesters

"I am not going home tonight until every single person who wants to exercise their First Amendment rights has the opportunity to do so.” -Art Acevedo

Houston is approaching a state of terror as downtown streets are flooded with protestors acting in outrage over the death of George Floyd. Four officers were involved in his death; one officer, Derek M. Chauvin, kneeled over his neck as Floyd shouted he couldn't breathe, begged for help, and was ignored before he succumbed to the force and died.

The protests initially began three days ago in Minneanapolis where the murder took place. Onlookers reported property damage, looting, and police firing tear gas. Many are concerned about the risk to individuals while we are still in the midst of the coronavirus and how that may effect them. Cities like New York, Los Angelas, and now Houston have followed suit in the protests.

Most noteworthy is the Houston Police Chief saying "We are going to march together. Which way do you want to go? Let’s do this together, safely. I will make sure my officers clear a path for your march and I will go with you." According to Law Enforcement Today, the police chief did in fact march with the protesters but received negative feedback from fellow officers. An anonymous officer spoke with Law Enforcement Today stating "you’ve got a chief that’s hated by most of the department because he’s done nothing but destroy the morale of officers." So, it's likely that more negative responses will be flooding in and more police departments will become divided over this very important issue. Houston Chronicle reports that six men have been killed by police and reports are still developing.

Three officers stood by and let Derek M. Chauvin kill George Floyd, so it poses the question what else are they standing by? Who else are they protecting? And how long will the injustice go on?

More news is developing on the death of George Floyd, but as of today, Derek Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder, but has not been arrested.  

SOURCES: Law Enforcement Today; Houston Chronicle