Protests in Mason City

Seeking justice for George Floyd

Happening now we have team coverage tonight as communities demand justice for floyd.

(pull up nick and bella) kimt news 3's isabella basco is live in rochester... and nick kruzalnicki is in north iowa.

And that's where we begin tonight... since mid?*- afternnoon protestors have been taking to the streets in mason city... nick ?

"* what's the scene now?

George and katie ?

"* it is relatively quiet and peaceful out here right now.

I've been out here at central park throughout the afternoon and evening, talking to folks about why it's so important for them to show up and have their voices heard.

Nats: car honking "we need to stand together, we need to say i agree with you sister, i agree with you."

Standing together ?

"* folks of all different ages and races are saying america's racial problems need to be solved.

Da'yona (day?

"* yawn?

"*uh) jo says george floyd's death is part of a long line of injustices toward black people.

"people look at the violent part of it but what escalated to this point.

All of this was built up over 400 years worth of slavery segregation and it is boiling over because of systematic racism that we have here in this country."

This afternoon's protest was peaceful.

Jocelyn ritchey tells me people shouldn't let the violent rioting across the country change their opinion on this movement for justice.

"we also have to remain respectful and peaceful.

We cant bust down buildings, we can't loot, we can't set cop cars on fire, we can't throw things, we have to be peaceful."

Brandon mcgriff is also concerned about police brutality against african?

"* americans.

Mason city doesn't have a large black community, which he says makes it even more important for him to speak out.

"there has been countless incidents with police and black folks.

This is the first time that the evidence was irrifutable.

I think that it was important for me to come out in mason city because there is a low population of black people but it's important for other people in the background of everything going on ?

"* we are still dealing with the coronavirus.

One protestor told me she's more worried about racism in our country than the spread of covid?

"*19 live in mason city, nick kruszalnicki, thank you nick.

Mason city's target closed at 7 this evening ?

"* no word on whether the closure is related to concern over protests.