Calgary Police Took A Knee Among Protestors On Monday (PHOTOS)
"CPS was there to listen, to learn and to mourn with all."
People all over North America are out in the streets protesting following the death of George Floyd. During a Black Lives Matter Calgary march held on Monday, June 1, Calgary police were seen taking a knee amongst the protesters. Someone in the crowd was able to capture an image of the display and shared it on social media.
Calgary’s solidarity march was held in East Village and lead to City Hall, where protestors carried anti-racist signs and chanted against police brutality.
During the march, several images were captured and posted online.
One of the images that stuck out amongst the others was a snapshot of Calgary cops taking a knee in the middle of the protest.
Taking a knee to show solidarity for Black Lives Matter was widely discussed when NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt during the national anthem.
The images involving the Calgary police were captured by a local, Myles Andrew.
“It was obvious to all who were around that CPS was there to listen, to learn and to mourn with all,” Andrew said to Narcity.
“I would say CPS was there to show solidarity with the community.”
Andrew said that during the protest, frontline workers came to show their support as well as keep the peace. He said he did not see anyone acting unprofessionally.
Amid what Andrew calls the “mostly peaceful demonstration” he noticed the cops kneeling.
“We had a number of officers there at the protest as you would expect," Chief Constable of the Calgary Police Service, Mark Neufeld told Narcity.*
“A number of them, in solidarity, ended up taking a knee at different points. That was just to show support."
Neufeld followed up by calling what is happening in the U.S. right now "gut-wrenching." He noted that he is happy that police are able to work with residents in order to host events like this in a constructive way.
"Our goal in all of this is to provide the safe space where individuals can exercise their right to gather and protest," said Neufeld.
This will not be the only solidarity demonstration planned in Calgary.
CBC News has reported that on Wednesday, June 3, and Saturday, June 6, people in the community will be holding additional demonstrations.
The 2 p.m. demonstration on Wednesday will be accompanied by a candlelit vigil at City Hall "to mourn all those who have died at the hands of police."
The Saturday vigil will take place at 4 p.m., outside of City Hall.
*This article has been updated.