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Hundreds march in Philly to protest police shootings

Black clergy members and local activists planned a rush-hour march and protest in Center City in response to the two recent fatal police-involved shootings in Louisiana and Minnesota.

In Center City, protesters link arms and hold signs while marching along Market Street. Clergy members and Black Lives Matter activists organized Thursday’s demonstration.
In Center City, protesters link arms and hold signs while marching along Market Street. Clergy members and Black Lives Matter activists organized Thursday’s demonstration.Read moreELIZABETH ROBERTSON / Staff Photographer
    by By Tommy Rowan and Mari A. Schaefer, STAFF WRITERS
    Published 

Pastor Barbara Ross shook her head: "I just don't get it," she said.

Ross, who represented Wesley Chapel A.M.E Church in Edwardsville, Ill., was among hundreds marching in Philadelphia Thursday to protest recent police shootings of black men across the country.

Ross shook her fist. Castile had a permit to carry a weapon, and he has the right to own a firearm under the 2nd Amendment.

"What was the purpose of him being legal? He still died," Ross said. "It's a setup."

Philadelphia clergy and Black Lives Matter organizers led the protest Thursday evening, beginning at the Philadelphia Convention Center just after 6 p.m. with a group prayer.

The group marched toward the Federal Detention Center at 7th and Arch Streets, with chants like "Show me what theology looks like / This is what theology looks like!" and "No justice, no peace!" echoing off buildings and overpasses as they went by.

Police estimated 500 people participated in the march.

The Rev. Mark Tyler, senior pastor of Mother Bethel Church, said men and women of all faiths are united against a common enemy.

"We all stand against the same fight," he said. "Against the dehumanization of black and brown bodies."