The George Floyd murder in Minneapolis this Monday at the hands of a police officer has resulted in numerous protests across the country, and it has made its way to Prince William County. Yesterday, the PW Perspective covered the peaceful protest taking place at Potomac Mills. This evening in Manassas, it was anything but that. 

There were rumors that a protest would take place at both Best Buy and Target over at Sudley Road in Manassas over social media outlets. It began as such with people standing in support of Floyd, with many shouting “Black Lives Matter,” in response to the continuous murders of innocent black people at the hands of law enforcement. As the evening progressed, Prince William County Police were dispatched to the area to maintain order.

Soon, the access to Route 234 was blocked off, and a Civil Unrest was declared by the PWCPD, stating that ‘an unlawful assembly has been called due an unruly crowd.’ This resulted in a Stay-at-Home order for residents of the area. As rocks were being thrown, Delegate Lee Carter of Bristow bravely approached the policemen, who were wearing riot gear. Delegate Carter calmly asked questions to the policemen, and he was subsequently sprayed with pepper spray moments later. He was reportedly doing well as the crowd and policemen dispersed during the 11:00 pm hour.

We spoke to one local citizen who asked not to be identified, and they expressed their feelings to what was taking place. “My heart is just broken. Our system is broken.”

These sentiments are being echoed throughout a hurting nation, asking themselves how many protests it will take until change is finally initiated.