Why we are protesting
George Floyd's killing by Minneapolis police sparked a wave of protests across America. The Times wanted to hear why Angelenos have taken to the streets — here’s what they said.
"We want politicians that aren't afraid of the political power of the police. ... Minneapolis officials have the power to arrest the other three officers involved in George Floyd’s death. The officer who killed Floyd should at least be charged with second-degree murder." — Jennifer
"I, for one, have never been less proud to be an American than I am today. If you still support the tiny-handed, Clorox-drinking, ‘looting and shooting,’ racist scum of a president we have, you need to take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself: Are you really proud to be American?"
"I am a fat, middle-aged white lady who will offer my services as an escort to a black man who wants to go to the grocery store, or go jogging or go birdwatching. The cops won't kill me, but they might kill him if I'm not with him." — Kelly
"I got tired of sitting at home feeling anxious and helpless. As an undocumented organizer, I recognize that now is the time to stand up for abolition and justice for all. Regardless of my status, the black community is looking for support from everyone. I know that my freedom is tied to their freedom. Being out on the streets today was so empowering and peaceful. People were looking out for each other because we knew things could take a turn for the worse in an instant. That is the reality that so many black people have had to adapt to for centuries." — Johana
"It’s time to dismantle and reform 'police culture' in this country." — Ashley
"Because police officers have abused their power and run rampant for too long. They have been viciously murdering people with impunity. It’s systematic oppression upheld and reinforced by white supremacy.”
"Friday night in DTLA, in front of my home, I exercised my 1st Amendment rights, feeling the same overwhelming anxiety and pain from another black person being killed rush back. ... There has to be a change." — Toni
"When there is a police shooting, with the chaos that often is involved, I can understand there might be two sides to the story. But to see the video of a white police officer slowly and deliberately killing a black man, suffocating the life out of him minute by minute and keeping up the pressure almost two minutes after the man has no pulse: There is no excuse. It is murder, plain and simple. The other officers stood and watched it happen. There is no excuse for their behavior, either. They were complicit."
"How the COVID-19 pandemic has been handled, leaving huge parts of society left without healthcare, due process or a future points out the ZERO representation by any political party or leadership along the way." —Dave
"In solidarity with Black Lives Matter. I’m white, and want to make my support visible in some way." — Ian
"Why isn't EVERYONE protesting? Six years after Ferguson and Eric Garner, law enforcement is still getting away with kiling black men on video. How is that acceptable to anyone?! I am proud to be one of many non-black people marching with our black brothers and sisters, chanting, ‘Say his name: George Floyd,’ ‘Prosecute Killer Cops’ and ‘No Justice, No Peace,’ especially because I am a Korean American who is aware of the L.A. riots in 1992. I saw people of all races at Pan Pacific Park today. ... No, I cannot know what it is like to be a black person in this country, always under threat of getting killed just for being black, even while sleeping in my own bed or watching TV in my own living room, but I can try to understand and fight for them" — Karen
"Because I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.”
"Injustice, injustice, injustice. What has this great country become? A place where people are suffering more every day with unfair treatment and the bashing of basic civil liberties and human rights." — Philippe
"I’m protesting because not only is it incumbent upon all of us to fight back against racist institutions like the LAPD, but the act of coming together during a global pandemic/unprecedented economic crisis is an act of solidarity that makes me feel connected to my city more than any time since I’ve lived here." — J.U.
"Because Black Lives Matter. Mayor Garcetti and members of the City Council are working to expand LAPD's budget even as crime is down during the pandemic. It makes no sense. We should be investing more in what people need to survive and thrive — housing, food, schools, jobs — not adding to our already bloated police budget." — Victoria
"It starts and stops with the police/law enforcement. Until new training efforts, stop hiring/recruitment from white nationalists that police our communities, combined with NO justice for any police/murderers, either on film or not, there can be no peace. They may quell this unrest, but it will appear again. ... There are millions of Chauvins in the so many police forces, turn them in. There are a million Amy Coopers in everyday corporate life. ... They/We protest being tired for having this target on our backs everyday, just for being BLACK. Tired that all the good white people, our friends, co-workers won't stand up. Tired. That's why we protest.”— Jacqueline
"It’s my only way of getting attention to the societal devastation caused by evictions, exploitative pay and an inability to have healthcare or a comfortable retirement." — Jason
"Discrimination against one group of people should be considered discrimination against us all. We must stand up together and demand change to institutional bigotry. This is why I march and volunteer as a medic at these rallys." — Tanto
"I'm protesting against the benefit of the doubt given to law enforcement in case of police terrorism against communities of color. ... Why aren't you protesting?" — Absalom