Peaceful Protest in Bangor Monday for George Floyd

Hundreds of people gathered in Bangor on Monday afternoon to protest the death of George Floyd.

The protest started downtown and then the demonstrators took to the streets, walking to the Bangor Police station. There was no violence, as has been seen in other cities. But those gathered recognized a moment of silence for the Minneapolis man who died when a police officer kept his knee on Floyd's neck until he stopped breathing. Floyd was suspected of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a local store and was handcuffed as he lay on the ground. The police officer, Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.

Protests around the country have erupted in violence, with stores being looted and fires set. President Trump is expected to mobilize military troops this week to deal with the riots.

Bangor's protest started at City Hall. Newscenter Maine reports Bangor Police officers knelt in support of the demonstrators and hugged many of them. A fourth protest in as many days was held in Portland on Monday. While Bangor's protest was peaceful, police did turn out in riot gear in the evening as some demonstrators lingered longer than others.

Bangor Police released a statement on Monday: