The fourth night of protests in downtown Indianapolis ended with police officers and protesters coming together for a beautiful and peaceful moment.
Protesters left Indianapolis, marching north towards the Governor’s Residence as the citywide curfew was going into effect. When they arrived at the governor’s mansion on North Meridian Street, they met police who warned them to disperse. For close to 30 minutes, it was a tension-filled back-and-forth.
The protesters would shout their demands and police warned of arrests.
Deputy Mayor David Hampton began working as a mediator between the two sides until officers and event organizers began talking.
“It’s all of our responsibility if we’re gonna peacefully assemble, to keep it peaceful,” said IMPD Lt. Andrew Rolinson.
The officers agreed to walk with the protesters if they would then disperse peacefully.
“I feel like our message was heard by some at least and it wasn’t for nothin’,” said organizer Malik Muhammad. “I never in a million years thought I would embrace a cop like that.”
Reporter Emily Longnecker was there as officers and protesters hugged, shook hands, thanked each other and walked with arms around each other.
Following the walk, IMPD tweeted to thank the protesters for peacefully advocating for change.
“Officers will continue to ensure the safety of demonstrators as they walk back to their cars to travel home,” IMPD said