Silent March Ends Without Incident
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DALLAS (CBS11) - Hundreds gathered in Downtown Dallas on Friday night for the first major protest since five officers were killed three weeks ago during a similar event.
The Next Generation Action Network began its "Silent March" a few blocks away from where shots rang out on July 7.
"We all witnessed what took place, I guess a few weeks ago with the cops being slain and our condolences go out to them," said Corey Hughes. "But we want to make sure that we don't lose focus."
The chief concern most of the speakers addressed at Main Street Garden Park related to the timing of the event.
"Some have said it's too early. No it's not too early to heal. And the only way we can heal is to continue to focus in on what we have to be about to bring an end to the violence," said Dr. Fred Haynes, of the Friendship-West Baptist Church.
The group feels there is no better time than right now.
"We don't hate cops, we hate injustice," said Hughes.
They feel injustices against African Americans at the hands of law enforcement are still ongoing.
"We're supposed to stand down. I think it would be an injustice to those officers that lost their lives if we allowed this issue to be pushed out and not address," said Dominique Alexander of Next Generation Action Network.
But as the group took to the streets, their movement and message was not welcomed by all.
"They got murdered in Dallas. They shouldn't be doing this now," yelled one man across the street from the group.
Some bystanders watched as the march neared El Centro College, the very spot gunfire erupted three weeks ago.
"To me it's like stomping on their grave right now. Like coming out here it's like they're…I'm disgusted," said Amanda LeBouf, a Dallas resident.
The only real confrontation between police and protesters came when the crowd spilled into the streets.
Officers showed up and told protesters to remain on the sidewalk.
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