Peaceful Third Night Of Protests In Rock Hill, Demonstrators Demand Transparency
ROCK HILL, S.C. — It was a much different atmosphere in Rock Hill Friday night than over the past two days. Only about 30 protestors took to the streets to demand justice over the arrests of two men by Rock Hill Police.
Friday, the group identified as the South Carolina Black Activist Coalition, traveled to Rock Hill from all across South Carolina after watching that now viral video of the arrest of the two brothers, Ricky and Travis Price by Rock Hill Police Officers. The group is demanding police drop all charges against both men and issue a bond for Ricky Price. The group also says they reached out to the Justice Department to open a federal investigation into this case.
“The coalition demands on behalf of the people of Rock Hill, the family of Ricky and Travis Price, that you immediately drop all charges because this arrest was unlawful,” says Justin Hunt with SC Black Activist Coalition.
The group says they want to meet with the mayor and police chief. They say they want every officer involved in the case to be terminated.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. –Eleven people were arrested in Rock Hill Thursday night during the second night of protests over a video showing two brothers rough arrest.
Hundreds of protesters marched through downtown Rock Hill and are now back at the Police Department.
A Rock Hill spokesperson says at least four arrests were made during Thursday’s protests.
WCCB cameras were there when protestors and riot police faced off in front of the police department.
Many were chanting, “Hands up don’t shoot.”
Reporter Alexandra Elich talked to protesters who say they want to see the entire body camera video, they want transparency, and police accountability.
Elich asked Rock Hill Police Chief if he would support releasing the body camera video.
He said no because he wants to talk to witnesses before the body cam video is released and wants to make sure the family is okay and let them view it first.
Protestors say that’s not good enough.
Rock Hill resident Evelyn Hemphill says “Watching that video was very disturbing. I don’t know the reason or how the police or whoever they were are attempting to justify what happened but there is no justification for that.”
“I’m not happy with this. I feel like nobody’s being held accountable. We need justice, we need change.”
A Charlotte resident Marion Brown says “If you saw the video, all that swinging and hitting, that’s not necessary. They say they were resisting, I did not see no resist.”
Rock Hill leaders are urging protestors to remain peaceful.
