File photo
File photo
After 600 people gathered outside Illinois' capital, Springfield enjoyed a mostly quiet night free from violent protesting.
News Channel 20 reported protesters lined the streets supporting the Black Lives Matter movement after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder said the peaceful protests show what the city is all about.
"With Springfield's community coming out in strong support of the Black Lives Matter movement, it showed the importance of it," Langfelder told News Channel 20. "We need to really mobilize to take positive active steps, actionable steps to improve the lives of others."
After the peaceful protest, there were no reports of damaging looting or vandalism in the city, but there was a burglary at a Drop Mobile on West Jefferson, News Channel 20 reported.
"Our community and our citizens are second to none," Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow told News Channel 20. "They want the right to peacefully protest. They want the right to express themselves but ultimately I don't think they want to cause damage to our community. I think they want to make sure our community remains whole."
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