MEMPHIS, Tennessee —
Nationwide protests, spurred by the death of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, sadly have included destruction and violence. It’s clear that some people showed up with the sole intention of undermining peaceful demonstrations – by setting fires and looting stores. In Memphis, the weekend protests were not nearly as volatile as in other cities, but there were instances of irresponsible behavior by both police and protestors.
I believe police were out of line late Saturday night – when they slammed local art enthusiast Victoria Jones to the ground – and arrested her during a confrontation at Beale and Main. And Sunday night, scores of protesters seemed to have lost their minds – by parading down Interstate 55 and trying to shut down the bridges into Arkansas before being stopped by police.
All of this tells me that some members of the police detail have been too aggressive against protesters, while splinter groups of demonstrators have tried to turn peaceful and well organized gatherings into chaotic encounters. The nationwide protests are understandable. People are angry and fed up with repeated deaths of African Americans at the hands of police. But there is no doubt that some people are using this moment to sew dissension – and take the focus away from legitimate protests against Floyd’s killing a week ago.
In many ways, Memphis has been fortunate. Things have been relatively calm. Let’s keep it that way. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.