Astoria Park vigil Monday (Image by Nick Roloson)
June 2, By Michael Dorgan
Hundreds of demonstrators took part in a peaceful protest at Astoria Park Monday to voice their anger over the death of George Floyd.
The protest went off without incident unlike some of the demonstrators in Manhattan and the Bronx that have descended into chaos.
The gathering in Astoria was held along Shore Boulevard at around 7 p.m. and demonstrators chanted “black lives matter, black lives matter.”
Many participants also held signs with the names of black victims who have been killed by police.
At nightfall, gatherers held a candlelight vigil for Floyd who died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer last week. The crowd then created a shrine in honor of Floyd by placing their candles and signs at Astoria Park’s World War I memorial.
Demonstrators dispersed peacefully in time for the citywide curfew that kicked in at 11 p.m.
The NYPD said that no arrests were made and there was no violence among the protesters.
Vigil at Astoria Park Monday (NYPD 14 Precinct)
The peaceful protest followed similar demonstrations in Queens over the weekend that did not boil over.
Hundreds took to the streets of Jackson Heights Saturday, while on Sunday, demonstrators marched in peaceful events in Jamaica and in Jackson Heights.
The protests in Queens contrast sharply to those in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx over the past number of days.
Organized groups of looters have ransacked stores, started fires, and attacked police officers.
The ugly scenes have prompted the mayor to extended curfew hours this week. City residents have been ordered to stay at home from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Tuesday through to Sunday.
Essential workers, members of the media, and people in need of emergency medical help are exempt from the curfew.
Peaceful vigil and protest in Astoria Park. pic.twitter.com/VWHAAHRvOe
— Megan Burns (@MEGANaburns) June 2, 2020
With a few friends at #Astoria Park to say #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd pic.twitter.com/2rq8lZBbKk
— Nick Roloson (@nickroloson) June 1, 2020
Peaceful protest Astoria Park #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/FXdHijqi0h
— Laurie C. Maldonado (@LCMaldonado1) June 2, 2020
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