Jun 06, 2020

Small gathering for postponed protest march in Hutchinson

Posted Jun 06, 2020 10:00 PM

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Residents gathered for a protest march down Main Street in Hutchinson Saturday morning. The march, spearheaded by local resident Teresa Delgado was going to be held Friday but after social media posts showed the event could be threatened, it was postponed until Saturday.

The decision for the postponement came after Delgado met with law enforcement and others. Police still urged organizers to cancel the event to another day but the march went on peacefully. The march started at 30th and Main then stopped at the intersection of 25th and Main where the group knelt for nine minutes before continuing south for several more blocks before turning back north.

The group of about 40 participants were peaceful and were heavily supported by law enforcement who had patrol cars in front and back of the group as well as officers blocking each intersection as the group passed by. Police did have word there could be some counter-protests or trouble from outside Hutchinson but nothing materialized. The Highway Patrol, South Hutchinson Police, and the Reno County Sheriff's department were all on hand.

Many residents supported the march by offering water on a hot day or displaying signs of support. Others drove by and honked in support. Some business owners stood in front of their buildings and one restaurant closed for the day and boarded up their doors and windows.

The group was marching to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police. All four officers have now been arrested and charged in that case.