Organizer discusses violent end to Huntsville protest

Organizer discusses violent end to Huntsville George Floyd protest

Us.

I'm dan shaffer.

And i'm najahe sherman.

Waay 31s casey albritton tells what the protest organizer wants to see happen in the future.

Protestors gathered on these stairs in front of the courthouse, carrying signs like this one that says "" the protest organizer tells me he doesn't support violence and hopes future demonstrations remain peaceful.

Brendan lewis/ organizer "i envisioned it as the city coming together in a time of mourning and a time when everyone is angry and hurt."

Protest organizer brendan lewis says he did not want the protest on monday to become violent.

Brendan lewis/ organizer "it was a peaceful protest and it only escalated when certain things happened."

Huntsville police say they used non-lethal gas to disperse the crowd, after asking people to leave several times.

Lewis says some protestors stayed because they wanted to see police respond to the death of george floyd.

Abi kunkle/ protestor "we asked them to take a knee in solidarity, but that did not happen."

Brendan lewis/ organizer "i think them ignoring and not respecting how we are feeling is part of the problem."

Protest organizers say they wanted their message to get across with no problems. damar thomas/ protestor "i would be trying to reason with people, saying don't get too close to the officers."

Brendan lewis/ organizer "we just want change, we want the basic human rights."

Another protest is being held on wednesday in downtown huntsville...and protestors say they hope everything goes smoothly.

Damar thomas "i want it to remain peaceful but i also want it to be a real protest."

Brendan lewis/ organizer "we just want to make our voices heard, not the start violence or destroy things."

The protest begins tomorrow at 5 pm here at big spring park.

The city is working with event organizers to see how they can make sure everyone stays safe in tomorrow's protest.

Mayor tommy battle says quote... this is our opportunity for growth, for dialogue, not for violence.

We cannot let the actions of a few hijack the good intentions of the many."

This morning, city workers removed rocks from around the square.

The city says it's to keep people from slipping and throwing rocks at police.

Huntsville police did report one deputy who was hit by a large rock.

Thankfully, no officers were hurt last night.

In the last 2 hours, we also learned tomorrow's protest location was moved from the courthouse to big spring park.

Event organizers say the protest was moved