BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Protests continued across the country over the weekend. Hundreds gathered in Baltimore to protest police brutality and racism after the death of Minnesota man George Floyd while in police custody. City leaders said despite a few acts of violence, the majority of the protests over the weekend were peaceful.
"I’m just tired. I’m tired of seeing my people die off. I can’t stand it anymore," said protester Darrion Dorsey.
"We are tired of the lack of accountability to police officers throughout this nation. We are asking for change at any and all levels and we want to be heard," said protester Joshua Dozier.
"This stuff is happening too often and on the regular like the police got license to kill and I'm standing here because it's not right," said protester Selma Rogers.
Volunteers from Uproar Church in Owings Mills joined in Sunday, bringing water for protesters.
"People are hurting and people are confused and we just want to be a safe place," said James Teague from Uproar Church.
Mayor Jack Young said he continues to welcome peaceful protesters and will protect their right to assemble.
"In Baltimore yesterday, we were a national example of what it looks like to engage in passionate protesting without widespread breaking of the law," said Young.
Still there were numerous acts of violence Saturday.
Baltimore Police arrested 12 adults and 2 juveniles for burglary, assault and attempted arson. Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said they got reports of 8 buildings downtown vandalized and 11 burglarized.
"There are rotten apples in every single group of people and those rotten apples do not represent the whole," said protester Zack Mahan.
City Council President Brandon Scott said those perpetrators were all from outside of Baltimore and he encourages people who want to break the law to stay at home.
"You saw Baltimoreans step in and say, 'No, you’re not about to do this'. There was kids on the front line and you have people not from Baltimore starting stuff and running away and that’s what I want people to take away the most," said Scott.
City officials are still encouraging people to wear face coverings and continue to social distance while protesting.
Protesters plan to be back out here tomorrow morning.
