'Very peaceful' protest brings people together in Greensburg

Protest co-organizer Lisa Roberts wanted Sunday’s event in Greensburg to be “truly peaceful.”

“No violence will be tolerated,” Roberts said on the heels of a violent eruptions in Downtown Pittsburgh the day before.

She got her wish.

About 200 protesters gathered and marched Sunday from the Westmoreland County Courthouse to Saint Clair Park, spurred by the recent killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

The march began about 3 p.m. After marching about two blocks to the park, protesters went face down with their hands behind their backs chanting “I can’t breathe” for nine minutes — about the same length of time Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck.

Protesters are lying on their stomachs, hands behind their backs, chanting “I Can’t Breathe.” They’ll stay in the position 9 minutes - the same length of time Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on George Floyd's neck. pic.twitter.com/micg0LRgFP

— Jacob Tierney (@Soolseem) May 31, 2020

Most of the crowd dispersed shortly before 4 p.m.

“This makes me feel on top of the world right now,” Roberts said, “especially that my kids can see this.” Roberts’ son and daughter participated with the group.

Protests in Greensburg over the death of George Floyd remain peaceful. pic.twitter.com/tXz73NT2RW

— Sean Stipp (@SeanStipp) May 31, 2020

Neurologist Dr. Marti Haykin said she came to the protest after her shift at Excela Westmoreland Hospital to stand “in solidarity with everyone who’s against police brutality.” She held a “stand against racism” sign while gathering with the crowd.

“Black people, brown people — everybody needs a right to a fair trial and not be killed by the police,” Haykin said. “I want a peaceful world. I want a better world for all people.”

Dr. Marti Haykin finished her shift at Westmoreland Hospital and came to join. Still in her medical ensemble. pic.twitter.com/D65KK44W4M

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) May 31, 2020

Trey Brown, 22, of Delmont said he showed up to protest against “everything that’s going on in this world. Corrupt justice system and everything.”

“Awareness, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. “Nobody needs to get hurt out here. No buildings need to be destroyed.”

Greensburg police Capt. Robert Stafford said there were no incidents reported. He estimated about 200 people participated.

“It was a very peaceful event,” Stafford said. “No problems. It was just a good day.”

Full interview with Capt. Robert Stafford following peaceful protest in Greensburg. He's pleased the protest was peaceful and said his department and officers have a good relationship with the citizens. pic.twitter.com/9vs2TAvHP3

— Maddy Lee (@MLeeTrib) May 31, 2020

Roberts said she was inspired to help organize the event by a similar protest in Colorado. She said she informed Greensburg police of the plan and got permission for the protest.

Several people who opposed the protesters said on Facebook they planned to come armed to prevent rioting. There was no sign of armed counter-protesters at the event.

Jacob Tierney and Madasyn Lee are Tribune-Review staff writers. You can contact Jacob at 724-836-6646, jtierney@triblive.com or via Twitter @Soolseem. You can contact Madasyn at 724-226-4702, mczebiniak@triblive.com or via Twitter @MLeeTrib.