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Line of Fayetteville officers in riot gear kneel before protesters

The moment a line of police officers wearing riot gear took a knee in front of a crowd of protesters was captured on camera.

Posted Updated

By
Gilbert Baez
, WRAL Fayetteville reporter
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The moment a line of police officers wearing riot gear took a knee in front of a crowd of protesters was captured on camera.

More than 200 people gathered in Bronco Square in Fayetteville late Monday afternoon to march down Murchison Road toward downtown.

When a line of Fayetteville police officers blocked protestors from entering downtown, one man was tased and later arrested after he made contact with the police line.

Police then stood face-to-face with the crowd of protestors, who demanded the release of the man.

According to Fayetteville Observer, the protestors chanted, "I can't breathe. I can't breathe," the same words George Floyd uttered before he died.
A Fayetteville police officer kneels with protestors. Credit: Fayetteville Observer

"We have been here peacefully for two hours and still have not seen the release of one of our peaceful protestors," said Ryan Ford. "I am very disappointed in the Fayetteville Police Department today... and we're still peaceful...even after they tased him for doing nothing wrong. What more can we ask for?"

In a sign of peace, Fayetteville police officers kneeled before the crowd, which eventually dispersed.

The display brought some protestors to tears, while others hugged officers and gave them high fives.

Monday's march was very different from Saturday night's, when protests turned to violence. A fire was set inside the Market House downtown, and windows were broken in nearby businesses. Looters targeted stores at Cross Creek Mall.

Another emotional scene occurred in Goldsboro Monday when protesters and police showed unity by circling together to hug while voices in the background said, "This is exactly what we like to see."

Protests in downtown Raleigh were peaceful, although six people were arrested for staying out past the 8 p.m. curfew.