MILWAUKEE — Hundreds of people shouted some of George Floyd's last words, "I can't breathe," throughout Milwaukee on Friday afternoon, not long after a former Minneapolis Police Officer was charged in his killing.
Floyd, 46, died after video shows a Minneapolis Police Officer put his knee on his neck Monday night. That officer was fired and later charged with third degree murder and manslaughter. Three other officers were also fired.
As protests erupted across the country, demonstrators in Milwaukee remained peaceful. The march began at the Wisconsin Black Historical Society near 27th and Center Streets. It made its way to the courthouse downtown. At one point demonstrators shut down a portion of Interstate 43.
Everyone expressed different reasons for showing up to the protest.
Sharon Randolph brought along her 9-year-old grandson, Jayveon, becuase she said it's important he learn about Black Lives Matter. She got emotional talking about watching the video of Floyd's death.
"Tears came to my eyes, I said another black man being killed by the police," Randolph said. "This is my grandbaby, he got to live through this, he got to grow up and live in this cruel world."
"I have a family and a fiancé that are black and mixed, will they be next," said Taylor Ford as she read the sign she made for the protest.
"I'm very scared right now, because it could be me or any of my family members or any of my friends, it could be anybody," said Ean Whaley Simpson.
Whaley Simpson said he finds some comfort knowing that so many people are demanding justice and change alongside him.
"It feels like we all have unity in this tough time," Whaley Simpson said.
