Protesters gathered at Ryon Park in Lompoc on Tuesday evening for a vigil and march to the Lompoc Police Department.
Organizers say their main message is peace and they opened up the stage for anyone who wanted to talk about police brutality, justice, and racial equity.
A demonstration held Saturday in Lompoc was peaceful, and protesters are planning for the same this time.
Massive crowd now heading down Ocean Ave towards Lompoc PD @KSBY pic.twitter.com/7PAqlBYvG0
— Melissa Newman (@melnewmantv) June 3, 2020
Once outside the Lompoc Police Department, protesters knelt and asked officers inside to come out and take a knee with them. However, Lompoc Mayor Jenelle Osborne, who walked with the protesters, told KSBY News the department is so short-staffed, that likely would not be able to happen.
On the move: demonstrators now leaving Lompoc PD and we’re told most are heading to the grass area outside the Lompoc Theatre @KSBY pic.twitter.com/ZdJuI4kbGY
— Melissa Newman (@melnewmantv) June 3, 2020
Protesters then marched from the police station up H Street to the river bridge, where they again knelt to memorialize George Floyd, the black man who died when a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.
Demonstrators now taking a knee after making it all the way down H street to the river bridge @KSBY pic.twitter.com/rTPWqT2WWg
— Melissa Newman (@melnewmantv) June 3, 2020
Protesters made their way back from the north side of town to Ryon Park, where a candelight vigil was held.
There have been no reports of looting or vandalism at this time, creating a successful evening for organizers who wanted to keep the peace.
The Lompoc City Council meeting that was scheduled to take place Tuesday night was postponed because of the protest. It was rescheduled for Wednesday at 1:45 p.m. at City Hall.
