George Floyd: Protesters gather in Eaton on Thursday

EATON — A protest for justice following George Floyd’s death in Minnesota last week brought a crowd to the sidewalks of Eaton Thursday afternoon.

A large crowd took part in a march through the city that began at Fort St. Clair in Eaton, then wound its way through downtown Eaton, ending at the Preble County courthouse.

News Center 7 spotted police officers directing traffic and handing out water to protesters, in some cases.

“Our goal Is basically make sur they can exercise their first amendment right safely,” Eaton Police Chief Steven Hurd said.

Ellery Harper was among those marching Thursday. She said the fact that Floyd’s death happened hundreds of miles away has not lessened its impact for her.

“Is still a scary thing,” Harper said. “(People like to say) ‘all lives matter,’ and all lives do matter, but for all lives to matter, black lives have to matter.”

The protest concluded with a moment of silence for Floyd in front of the Preble County courthouse

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