AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Police invited the public to join its Community Engagement Team in a moment of solidarity condemning the death of George Floyd.
Police officers invited community members to join them in taking a knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. That's the length of time that now-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on the back of Floyd's neck. The tribue took place outside APD headquarters at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon.
Police Chief Brian Manley was among the officers in attendance.
The tribute was cut short, however, as demonstrators continued to yell and interrupt, with some calling the event a "PR stunt." Other demonstrators sought out conversations with officers, working to have a dialogue with police.
The protests continued at APD's headqaurters and other areas in downtown for an eighth day Saturday. In contrast to the events of last weekend, which saw Austin Police fire beanbag rounds, pepper spray, and tear gas at protesters, many of the protests since Monday have been peaceful.