NORWICH – The Norwich police are warning the public to avoid downtown Norwich between 2 and 8 p.m. today as protesters gather to make their voices heard over police brutality, sparked by the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

Floyd is a black man who authorities say was murdered by a white Minneapolis police officer during an arrest. Three other police officers have also been charged. The incident, caught on video by a teen, shows an officer pinning a knee to Floyd's neck for several minutes as he begs for air. His death lead to more than a week of protests, that have also included acts of violence and looting across the country.

“Our peaceful protest will involve displaying signs, chanting, and calling for justice for the murder of George Floyd,” said one of the protest organizers, Amanda Mills. “A peaceful protest is the only type I would attend, let alone organize.”

On Wednesday the Norwich Police Department released this statement:

“The Norwich Police Department has been working with the organizers of a peaceful demonstration to be held from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday in front of the Chenango County Courthouse.

“As a result of the planned activities, we recommend the public avoid the downtown area immediately around West Park and the Courthouse during the afternoon and early evening hours.

“You can also expect to see a heavier law enforcement presence in the area for the safety of everyone. We appreciate the cooperation of the organizers and their willingness to work with us and our public safety partners to ensure a peaceful event.”

The organizers released their own statement about the protest on Tuesday:

"We hold this gathering to stand in solidarity against police brutality and the mistreatment of people of color. We support the Black Lives Matter movement and hope to shed light on the injustices that have taken place against our fellow humans. We do not welcome anyone who aims to incite violence, rioting, or looting.

“We encourage all protesters to wear PPE and social distance. The protest will run from 2 - 8 p.m. on Thursday so it is more accessible to those who have conflicting work or personal schedules. We do not expect anyone to be protesting for six whole hours unless they would like to. We intend and wish for a good outcome for all."

Mills is working with a local teen, LeeAnne Laden, to coordinate the protest.

“We will be making it very clear that anyone who is not peaceful... is not welcome,” Mills told the Evening Sun Wednesday.

“I understand how frustrated everyone is at this time and of course, scared. I hope they can know the truth, that we only want to shed light on the current injustices taking place,” she said.

She said, “I just had a great meeting with Chief Marsh and I feel like the police here will be a great help in keeping us safe. They are very respectful and seek the same peaceful outcome. I remain hopeful.”

“We have a plan set in place, to where if things get uncomfortable, all of us peaceful protesters will back off. We want nothing to do with violence,” said Mills.

The Norwich Police Chief Rodney Marsh said the department was coordinating a police presence with the Chenango County Sheriff's Office and New York State Police.

“We work closely with the organizers. We all want it to be peaceful. We've had calls not to allow them to do this because people are scared with what's going on across country, but they have a constitutional right. We just want it to be exercised safely.”

Marsh said the department would not be enforcing health guideline as part of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “As soon as we try to enforce that– We want things to stay calm and peaceful.”

Chenango County Health officials ask people to observe the current health guidelines but said they respected people's right to protest.

“Guidelines currently say no gatherings larger than 10 people. The governor has expressed support for people's right to protest. Please wear a face mask, do everything you can to protect yourself and others,” said Environmental Health and Code Enforcement Director Isaiah Sutton. “Keep your distance, our top concern is people's health and safety.”

He added, “I think any large gathering has the potential to create new cases and new exposures.”

The planned protest in Norwich has sparked a fierce debate on local social media platforms. Marsh said police would be vigilant of any counter protesters, but also respected their right to protest.

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