Group Holding Silent Protest In Downtown Dallas Tonight
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DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Tonight, three weeks after the deadly ambush of police officers in downtown Dallas a silent protest is being held on those same streets.
The timing of the protest, organized by the Next Generation Action Network, was laid out and planned with the Dallas Police Department.
Today marks 22 days since 14 police officers were shot in Dallas, five of who died.
Members of Next Generation say tonight's march is to remember the people who have been killed, both police and civilian, and continue the battle against police brutality. The chief of staff for the group, David Villalobos, said, "There's not going to be a perfect time after a tragedy that occurred three weeks ago. But we still need to continue and call attention to police brutality. We are not against police officers, we are against some officials that go ahead and conduct themselves in a certain manner."
The silent protest was initially planned for last week, but was rescheduled after Dallas police expressed some concerns. The decision was made to change the protest date to tonight, well after all of the slain officers, here and in Louisiana, were laid to rest.
Hours after the shooting of officers Dallas Police Chief David Brown spoke about the everyday job of law enforcement officials "who literally risk their lives to protect our democracy."
In response to questions about Dallas police officers again having a big presence and ensuring individuals right to protest the department issued the following statement:
"The Dallas Police Department will not interfere with a lawful and peaceful assembly of any individuals or groups expressing their first amendment rights. The Dallas Police Department will take enforcement action if any type of criminal offense is committed against any person or property. Enforcement action will also be taken if demonstrators illegally impede traffic in the roadway or attempt to shut down a freeway. The safety of our officers and citizens is the primary concern as individuals or groups gather to express their first amendment rights."
With so many people still grieving some people, in the community and at the police department, think it is too soon to hold a protest. Either way the march will happen tonight at 6:30 at Main Street Garden Park.
Organizers say the group will march down to Lamar Street where they will leave flowers and say a prayer for the police officers killed in the ambush.
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