Controversial video leads to peaceful demonstrations

In light of a recent video showing El Centro Police using force when apprehending a suspect which was posted on social and has since gone viral, two separate demonstrations took place in the Imperial Valley today. One showing support for local law enforcement and the other asking for the police officers in the incident to be fired and prosecuted.

Our news team spoke to people on both sides of the issue to hear what they had to say.

“This in my opinion is a blatant act of police brutality, it should not be tolerated and I sincerely hope that the chief of police will try to take an objective view of what transpired,” said Hilton Smith, Coordinator of Imperial Valley Black Lives Matter Movement.

“The ability to stay peaceful and to respect other people’s opinions is a foundation that the constitution was built on. People are allowed to protest, they’re allowed to rally. Do as you feel is right, we feel right now that supporting the El Centro Police Department in this whole situation is right,” said Joseph Cole of El Centro.

The mood at both demonstrations remained peaceful throughout the whole time as people voiced their opinion right across the street from each other.

Towards the end of the rally both sides came together to shake hands and respectfully tell each other thank you for voicing their opinion.

Our news team was told another set of demonstrations is set to take place two weeks from now.