COLUMBUS, Ind. – The rally started Thursday at noon at the Bartholomew County Courthouse and worked its way to Columbus City Hall. Area residents gathered to promote the Black Lives Matter movement, and protest the killing of George Floyd. Before arriving on the steps of city hall, as the group marched around the courthouse, they chanted phrases aimed at ending racism in America.
“To say these are difficult times seems a little too simple, a little too ordinary, but these are difficult times. And during difficult times, those of us who care, want to do something, and showing up is something,” Mayor Jim Lienhoop told the crowd on hand.
Law Enforcement was a major talking point on Thursday afternoon as members of NAACP of Columbus and Bartholomew County complimented the support they have received from the Columbus Police Department and Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office. However, there was call for change as it was requested that deputies with BCSO be given body cams.
“The injustice that happened in Minneapolis, if it happens here, it will be dealt with,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers. “For one, I will fire them. For two, we’re going to make cases on them, and they’re going to go to prison. There’s one way to do things and that’s the right way. There’s one way to treat people, and that’s with empathy and respect.
Hundreds of peaceful protesters participated in the rally that lasted about an hour.
