Peaceful Protest Occurred This Afternoon in Roseburg

A protest for racial equality took place this afternoon along Garden Valley Blvd in front of Fred Meyers. Organizers wanted to make sure this event was a "peaceful, silent protest in support of the Black Lives Matter movement currently uprising in Minneapolis and around the nation. We believe it is necessary for citizens in all cities and towns around the United States to show solidarity with seeking justice for George Floyd's murder.” a message on the protest event page said. Roseburg Police Chief Gary Klopfenstein and Captain Sanders came out and walked along the line speaking with protestors. It was a refreshing sight to see after several days of footage from across the nation showing rioters clashing with police. It was a very peaceful protest with most of the noise coming from the continuous honking of cars passing by. At about 1pm there was a little over 130 people lined up along the street with more people slowly trickling in. On Saturday, local law enforcement agencies released a joint statement denouncing the actions and tactics utilized by those officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “We stand together, as a unified body of local law enforcement leaders in Douglas County, to denounce the actions and improper tactics utilized in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As criminal justice officers we, and those in our employ, are charged to serve humankind and to provide for the security of our communities. We take seriously the oaths we swore and the ethics that guide our profession. The incident in Minneapolis is not reflective of the values we regard and seek to uphold in our respective jurisdictions. It is our resolve to continue serving our communities with a strong ethical and moral compass while earning your trust and respect on a daily basis.” It was signed by Sheriff John Hanlin - Douglas County Sheriff, Chief Gary Klopfenstein - Roseburg Police Department, Chief Brandon Sarti - Winston Police Department, Chief Jonathan Brewster - Myrtle Creek Police Department, Chief Troy Mills - Sutherlin Police Department and Chief Matt Smart - Reedsport Police Department