'We want change’: Protesters gather near Newton police station, walk through downtown

NEWTON, N.C. — Downtown Newton is the latest site of a protest over the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died at the hands of the Minneapolis police after being detained.

Channel 9′s Dave Faherty said barricades could be seen Tuesday afternoon dividing the parking lot at the police station in downtown.

The police chief said the barricades went up Monday night to provide an area for the protesters while also allowing people to access the department for police business.

Newton police along with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office and police in Hickory started preparing once they got word that protesters were organizing a rally near the station.

Officers have been prepositioned in other parts of the downtown area and they are also flying drones.

Faherty said a handful of people started arriving at the station around noon and eventually grew into dozens.

More than 100 protesters could be seen walking through downtown chanting and holding signs.

The town only has about 13,000 residents and the turnout surprised a lot of people.

Protestors could be heard across the courthouse square raising awareness about the death of George Floyd and the officer accused of his murder. Both young and old came out to let their voices be heard.

“We want change. We need change in this country. Too many black men and women have been killed on the streets,” protester Jalen Johnson said.

Police and deputies were along for much of the march.

Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipes was out talking with the protesters. At one point, he took knee as there was a moment of silence feet from the front door of the police station.

“Don’t think we agree with what happened there. We all agree with you right here. We agree with this. We agree protest is good," Sipes said.

On the outskirts of the crowd were anti-protesters -- like one man who had a billy club in one hand and a handgun on his side ready to protect the town he loves.

“They need to understand they’re not dealing with the police here, they’re dealing with the citizens. We’re not bound by the same things they are,” resident Don Brablett said.

Some residents were surprised by the large crowd and watched as protesters went by businesses where their families members work.

“I’m sorry he died like that, but it is scary,” resident Sue Travis said.

The protest remained peaceful. There were no reports of any problems or arrests.

Statement from Newton Mayor Eddie Haupt:

"The unrest we’ve seen across the country during this time of global pandemic is unlike anything most of us have experienced. At the same time, deadly violence against our black neighbors has become painfully familiar. We grieve the loss of George Floyd and so many others at the hand of a system that unleashes senseless violence against our neighbors of color.

"Today, we saw that grief turn into action during a peaceful protest and march starting at Newton City Hall, circling the 1924 Courthouse Square, and ending at the Catawba County Government Center. More than 200 men and women, young and old, stood together to demand justice for Mr. Floyd and an end to police brutality.

"The people who gathered today have the right to express themselves, and we at the City of Newton have an ongoing duty to listen and try to understand as we continue to protect the health, safety, and welfare of our residents. I take that duty seriously, as does Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe and the officers he leads. We will not tolerate unjust conduct from the ranks of our police department.

“We are a tight-knit community that stands together during times like these. I am proud of what we saw today, especially from the young people who so eloquently expressed their calls for justice and our officers who knelt in solidarity with them. I encourage our citizens to continue exercising their First Amendment rights and directing their actions toward positive change in our community. I think we can all work together—in a peaceful and productive way—to hear one another and resolve the challenges we face as we build a more just and humane world.”

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