Local activists rally together in response to George Floyd's death

ELKHART, Ind. --- Local activists in Michiana are speaking out in response to the death of 46-year-old George Floyd.

Protestors gathered at the Civic Plaza in downtown Elkhart on Friday evening.

“I’m very sad,” Dwight Fish said, Councilman, city of Elkhart. “I don’t believe that it should have happened.”

“United we stand” is the goal of the protest, according to the event Facebook page.

It is all about bringing the people of Elkhart together, according to Fish.

“They weren’t listening,” Fish said. “Tonight in Elkhart, we’re listening to each other. We’re going to listen to the hurt that’s in peoples’ hearts.”

That hurt stemmed from the recent death of George Floyd, the man who died after a Minneapolis officer knelt on his neck. The incident has sparked outrage across the country.

“We’ve got to help the national situation heal and in Elkhart, we’re going to be the social conscious of the nation tonight,” Fish said.

Fish called the protest a vigil and a chance for solidarity.

“This is, this is not going to be a gathering of anger,” Fish said. “This is a showing of love toward our fellow man and the people of Minneapolis. This is where people have to show their humanity, their compassion toward one another.”

Elkhart Police Chief, Chris Snyder, issued the following statement:

"The Elkhart Police Department feels and understands the frustration and hurt being felt throughout our community. We are thankful for the support we receive from our community and their willingness to work together to make the police department, our officers and the community stronger and more unified.

The Elkhart Police Department respects the right to gather for a display of support, to mourn and to celebrate and only ask that gatherings are conducted peacefully and professionally.”

Katie Pickard, a resident of Elkhart, joined the protest to pay her respects.

“A lot of people get together locally, show support for our black community…let them know that they do have a voice; they’re not alone. We stand with them in any way that we can,” Pickard said.

“We’re going to show the world, we’re going to show the United States that we’re better than that here in Elkhart that we’re coming together for peace and love,” Fish said.