Top PSNI officer says lives could have been put at risk at NI protests over the ‘unnecessary and unjustifiable’ murder of George Floyd in USA

Protests were due to be held in Portadown, Omagh and Newry last night (Friday) but were cancelled after police consulted with the organisers.

On May 25, this year George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a white police officer, knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he was handcuffed face down in the street.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “Protesting against the unnecessary and unjustifiable death of a person in the United States risks the

unnecessary and unjustifiable deaths of people in Northern Ireland who could contract the virus as a result.”

ACC Alan Todd said: “We have been engaging with the organisers of protest activity across Northern Ireland this weekend and have urged them to call off any planned events. I am pleased to say that organisers have now cancelled the protests in Newry, Portadown and Omagh.

“Such gatherings are a risk to public health and in breach of the current Health Regulations. I would appeal to anyone thinking about attending them not to – and instead find more responsible and innovative ways to make their voice heard. People need to act responsibly and be aware that protesting like this puts people’s lives at risk.

“In normal circumstances, we would work with organisers to facilitate peaceful protests – but these are not ordinary times.

“The protests are important and for a worthy cause and we understand the public’s frustration and anger. However, protesting against the unnecessary and unjustifiable death of a person in the United States risks the unnecessary and unjustifiable deaths of people in Northern Ireland who could contract the virus as a result.

“There is no allowance within the Regulations to travel in order to attend a protest and to do so is a breach of Regulation 5.

“Attending mass gatherings is a breach of Regulation 6. It is simply not possible to exercise social distancing effectively when people are gathered together in large numbers. Please consider other ways to protest – perhaps at home or in the virtual or digital space.

“We are engaging with, explaining to and encouraging organisers to cancel and potential protesters not to go to these events. However, if this advice – which comes from health professionals, elected representatives and the Chief Medical Officer as well as police - is ignored and people break the law, then there will be consequences.

“We will then have to move to the fourth E of enforcement – and that means issuing fines and carrying out follow up investigations if required to put people before the courts.

“This weekend, there will be a more visible police presence at the events themselves, as well as at bus and train stations and on the roads.

“We all have personal responsibility to do the right thing and protect others in society. Let’s not risk the unnecessary and untimely deaths of loved ones by breaching the Regulations. I am hopeful that people will listen to my appeal and that common sense will prevail.”

Meanwhile Upper Bann MLA Jonathan Buckley welcomed the fact the protest had been called off in Portadown.

He said: “Many of you have been in contact with me regarding concerns at a proposed protest taking place in Portadown town centre in response to the death of George Floyd.

“I can confirm that having engaged with PSNI this proposed event is now cancelled.

“Whilst we respect that people reserve the right to peacefully assemble and protest, congregating in large groups has the potential to endanger lives during COVID-19.

“The event has been cancelled by the event organisers and I will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

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