About 100 people gathered in Depot Park on Sunday to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, chanting “black lives matter” and “I can’t breathe,” first in front of the historic Railroad House and then on a march through downtown Sanford.

There were no documented incidents of violence, and several people involved with the event could be heard stating that such acts would not be tolerated as part of the protest.

The protest began at noon, and lasted about an hour, although smaller groups continued to march through the streets of downtown after the larger event ended. Sources also indicated that some protesters showed up at the Lee County Courthouse Sunday afternoon, and that the situation remained peaceful there as of 4 p.m.

A Facebook live video documented the courthouse portion of the protest:

 

Lee County Board of Education member Sherry Womack could be seen at the Depot Park portion of the protest, carrying a “We the People” sign and unsuccessfully attempting to counter the “black lives matter” chant with an “all lives matter” one. Womack’s husband Jim, the chairman of the Lee County Republican Party, could be seen standing in front of the organization’s headquarters on Steele Street, as if to protect it from potential looters.

Below are some scenes from the event. Photos by Gordon Anderson and Jordan Childress Anderson.