George Floyd Protests: Santa Cruz police chief takes knee alongside peaceful protesters
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- Hundreds of people kneeled on Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz on Saturday morning to honor the memory of George Floyd amid nationwide protests to bring attention to police violence against the black community.
Photographer Shmuel Thaler captured an image of Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills taking a knee along with the protesters.
"SCPD is fully supportive of peaceful protests @CityofSantaCruz and we always keep them safe," the department tweeted.
Nationwide unrest was fueled by Floyd's death in Minneapolis. Video shows him handcuffed, pleading for air as a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck. That officer was fired and has been charged with third-degree murder.
Take a look at the latest stories and videos about the investigation into George Floyd's death in Minneapolis.
PHOTOS: Powerful images show clashes with police, demonstrators during protests over George Floyd's death
