Peaceful protest in Mashpee calls for justice in George Floyd death

June 4, 2020

MASPHEE – Chants of “Black Lives Matter” and the sound of car horns blaring in support filled the air surrounding the Mashpee rotary for several hours Wednesday evening as a local protest called for justice and honored the memory of George Floyd.

While making an effort to socially distance by spreading from the center of Mashpee rotary to the nearby lawn at Picnic Box and the Mashpee Mobil, nearly 100 protestors sent their message loud and clear without the disruption of traffic or any show of violence.

Most wore face masks amid the COVID-19 outbreak and held signs reading “No Justice, No Peace” and “I can’t breathe.”

Over the past several days, protests and vigils across the country have honored the memory and called for action after the death of 46-year-old George Floyd in Minneapolis. Unlike Wednesday’s protest in Mashpee, some around the country have been become violent.

Second-degree murder charges were issued against Derek Chauvin, the police officer accused of kneeling on Floyd’s neck ultimately leading to his death.

By EMMALYN REID, Cape Wide News

Mashpee Police Chief Scott Carline released the following open letter:
On June 3, 2020 a silent demonstration was held at the Mashpee Rotary following the murder of George Floyd while in police custody in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

As a police chief I condemn the actions of the police officers in Minneapolis and we as a police agency were deeply disturbed by the images we saw on the video which resulted in the death of Mr. Floyd.

The men and women of the Mashpee Police Department will continue to facilitate expressions of free speech in the form of peaceful demonstrations such as the one we observed last evening. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the event organizers and all participants for remaining peaceful while expressing their anger and frustration during these turbulent times in our nation. I respect the actions of our peaceful protesters and would encourage them to continue their efforts to support positive change.

Respectfully,
Scott W. Carline
Chief of Police