Saginaw Continues Peaceful Protest as Tensions Rise Nationwide

Photo of an earlier protest (6/2/2020) at the Saginaw County courthouse, with Protesters seeking justice shortly after the death of George Floyd (Photo- Ric Antonio; WSGW)

Hundreds of people gathered at the Saginaw county courthouse to protest racial injustice, police brutality, and the death of Minnesota’s George Floyd.

Many were dressed in clothes or had signs in support of Black Lives Matter, and spoke about their own personal experiences with police.

Protesters teaching their children about equality (Photo- Ric Antonio; WSGW)

The group marched from their starting point at Hoyt park to the front lawn of the Saginaw County courthouse from 6 to 8 pm, and police say no violence or obstructions were reported.

Pastor Elvin Owens spoke at the event and says Saginaw’s peaceful protests and unity will help make change (Photo- Ric Antonio; WSGW)

Pastor Elvin Owens of From the Heart Ministries in Bridgeport said he saw people of all ethnicities attending the event, and that when a community can be as unified as Saginaw is anything can be done.

County Sheriff William Federspiel, the Saginaw county mounted patrol, Michigan State police, and Saginaw police were waiting nearby after reports of a possible traveling group trying to stir up any commotion, but gladly did not have to intervene.

Sheriff Federspiel (Center) and the Mounted Unit showing support at the protest after all reports of outside disruption had been dismissed (Photo- Ric Antonio; WSGW)

Saginaw Police Chief Bob Ruth was also at the event, and said the department worked with organizers to make sure the event went smoothly and is open to discussing changes proposed at the event to help better the Saginaw Police department.

Many at the event were practicing safe social distancing and wore face coverings to help prevent spread of COVID-19 among the large numbers in attendance.