Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister (left) answers questions and Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner awaits his turn during a City-County Common meeting at the Lancaster Event Center on Monday.
Lincoln City Councilwoman Jane Raybould (left) and Lancaster County Commissioner Roma Amundson listen as Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister (far right) answers questions and Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner awaits his turn during a City-County Common meeting at Lancaster Event Center on Monday.
Lincoln City Council members and Lancaster County commissioners listen to Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister and Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner during a City-County Common meeting at Lancaster Event Center on Monday.
Top Lincoln law enforcement chiefs called on city and county officials Monday to continue to support their efforts to grow their forces and avoid making decisions to reform the police based on emotion.
"We work hard to keep politics out of law enforcement," Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner told a joint meeting of the Lincoln City Council and Lancaster County Board at the Lancaster Event Center.
Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister said any reforms should draw from data and evidence and avoid simply reacting to the emotional debate about policing in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police.
Floyd's death ignited protests in Lincoln between May 29 and June 2 that led to rioting and clashes between protesters and Lincoln police and sheriff's deputies, along with other area law enforcement, a response that remains under review by the department and city officials.
But Wagner and Bliemeister said some of the response showed the need to increase staffing at both agencies after each saw overtime usage spike.
Wagner said his agency paid out $60,000 in overtime to cover shifts and staff the crowd control response that week, and that some deputies had worked 14 days straight.
Lincoln Police spent $170,000 in overtime to cover the protests the first two weeks of June, measures that included providing traffic direction to marching protesters along with the riot response.
Both Bliemeister and Wagner pointed to the strain on their agencies and their efforts to increase their forces in recent years.
Demonstrators with the Black Lives Matter movement, meanwhile, have called on city leaders to defund the police department.
Their calls have come as Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird proposed a budget that included adding six officers and as the city was selected to receive a federal $600,000 grant to fund five additional officers.
Gaylor Baird had not formally accepted the grant as of Monday.
Ahead of the formal introduction of City Council changes to the proposed budget later this week, Councilwoman Jane Raybould said the council remains committed to public safety and supporting law enforcement.
"Let’s all be clear that defunding law enforcement, as so many have called out, will not achieve the outcomes that we all want to see," Raybould said.
A public hearing on the city budget will be Aug. 3.
The Lancaster County budget, which has yet to be formally introduced, will be up for public review later in August.
Photos, videos: Protests in Lincoln
Photos, videos: Violent and peaceful protests in Lincoln over George Floyd's death
Not One More Life March
Marshawna Kapke addressees demonstrators during the Not One More Life March on Saturday.
Not One More Life March
Marvin Binnick wears a Donald Trump mask during the Not One More Life March on Saturday.
Not One More Life March
Demonstrators congregate in front of the state Capitol for Saturday's Not One More Life march.
Not One More Life March
Jared Northup holds his daughter on his shoulders so she can see over the crowd of demonstrators as they march along Centennial Mall on Saturday.
Not One More Life March
Demonstrators march along Centennial Mall on Saturday.
BLM March, 6.11
Black Lives Matter protesters march north on South 27th Street after starting from the SouthPointe Pavilions on June 11.
Protesting in the Rain, 6.9
Black Lives Matter protesters march in the rain after leaving the state Capitol on Tuesday, June 9.
BLM leaders
The young organizers who have led several peaceful protests in Lincoln over the past week stand outside the Nebraska Capitol on Friday, June 5.
Candlelight Vigil
Demetrius Alexander throws up his fist as Taylor Morris leans on him as the crowd sings "Amazing Grace" during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
A candle with a balloon is lit for Breyonna Taylor on her birthday during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
Demonstratros carry candles to the memorial of James Scurlock during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
LeeAaron Berks holds a candle during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
LeeAaron Berks holds a candle to remember those lost during a candlelight vigil on June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
Brittany Clark (Left) and her friend Sydney Webb hold up their hands to prevent the wind from blowing their candle out during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
A memorial erected to James Scurlock near 11th Street during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday June 5 in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
Members of Black Lives Matter light candles during a candlelight vigil Friday, June 5, at the state Capitol.
Candlelight Vigil
Black Lives Matter leaders sing "Amazing Grace" with the crowd during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday June 5, 2020, in Lincoln.
Candlelight Vigil
Demonstrators march silently during a candlelight vigil remembering those lost on Friday June 5 in Lincoln.
Protest, 6.3
Protesters are escorted by Lincoln police after leaving the state Capitol and marching down K Street on Wednesday.
Protest, 6.3
Hundreds of protesters gathered at the state Capitol for speeches before marching down K Street on Wednesday.
Protest, 6.3
Protesters are escorted by Lincoln police after leaving the state Capitol and marching down K Street on June 3.
County-City Building protest
The scene outside the County-City Building on June 1.
County-City Building
Overhead photo of the protesters outside the County-City Building on June 1.
Protest, 6.2
Hundreds of protesters gathered for speeches at the County-City Building on June 2.
Protest, 6.2
With temps in the high 80s at the start of the gathering, Lincoln Police Capt. Don Scheinost hands off water to protesters at the County-City Building on June 2.
Protest, 6.2
Hundreds of protesters gathered for speeches at the County-City Building on Tuesday.
Protest, 6.2
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird (center) sits with the protesters at the County-City Building on Tuesday.
Protest, 6.2
Hands are raised Tuesday at the County-City Building when protesters are asked who is eligible to vote in the election this fall.
WATCH NOW: Marches, speeches highlight Tuesday night protests
WATCH NOW: Monday night protests in Lincoln run smoothly
Protest, 6.1
Protesters take a knee in front of the County-City Building on June 1. Black Leaders Movement activists say some still refer to local efforts as "violent" despite dozens of peaceful protests and civic action.
Protest, 6.1
Protesters sit in the intersection of South 10th St. and Lincoln Mall in front of the County-City Building on June 1.
Protest, 6.1
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird (right) addresses protesters who sat in the intersection of South 10th Street and Lincoln Mall in front of the County-City Building on June 1.
Target Boarded Up, 6.1
The Target at 333 N. 48th St. temporarily boarded up its front doors Monday.
Watch Now: Sunday night protests in Lincoln
BLM Peaceful Protest
A protester chants "No justice, no peace" during a peaceful protest on Sunday near the state Capitol.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Protesters gather on the steps of the state Capitol during a peaceful protest on May 31 at the state Capitol.
Sunday protest
Protesters bolt from police after tear gas was released in the Lincoln Mall area on May 31.
Sunday protest
Police in riot gear move forward in an effort to clear protesters in Lincoln Mall during a protest that went past a mandated curfew on May 31.
Sunday protest
Police in riot gear line up to block protesters on Sunday in the Lincoln Mall.
Sunday protest
Police in riot gear move forward in the area of Lincoln Mall in an effort to clear protesters after a mandated curfew on May 31.
Sunday protest
Protesters who defied an 8 p.m. curfew raise their fists on the steps of the state Capitol on Sunday.
Sunday protest
A protester shows what he says is wound from a bean bag round during a night of protest on Sunday.
Sunday protest
Police in riot gear line up to block protesters who defied curfew on May 31 in the Lincoln Mall area.
Sunday protest
Police in riot gear move forward in an effort to clear protesters who defied curfew on June 1 in the Lincoln Mall area.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Protesters gather on the steps of the state Capitol during a protest on June 1.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Law enforcement in riot gear stand guard on the steps of the state Capitol building during a peaceful protest May 31. While the protest was peaceful, events that had unfolded the night before was enough to warrant police to take precaution. The words "the salvation of the state is watchfulness in the citizen" can be seen etched into the wall behind them.
Watch Now: LJS reporter detained; some protesters arrested after Lincoln curfew
Watch Now: Rally outside State Capitol protests George Floyd's death
BLM peaceful protest
A man at Sunday's protest in Lincoln wears tape across his mouth stating "I can't breathe."
BLM Peaceful Protest
Protesters march peacefully down O Street during a Black Lives Matter rally Sunday that started at the state Capitol.
BLM Peaceful Protest
An activist who climbed a statue in front of the County-City Building shouts "Black Lives Matter" during a rally calling for police reform on May 31.
BLM Peaceful Protest
A man who climbed a crosswalk pole holds up a sign in protest to passing cars during a peaceful protest near the Capitol on Sunday.
BLM Peaceful Protest
A sign advocating for the recognition of those who lost their lives is seen along with flowers during a peaceful protest Sunday at the state Capitol.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Protesters march together in solidarity toward the County-City Building during a peaceful march on Sunday.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Protesters wear face masks with the message "I can't breathe" written on tape during a peaceful protest Sunday.
BLM Peaceful Protest
A protester holds flowers in peaceful protest Sunday near the Capitol.
BLM Peaceful Protest
Thousands of protesters gathered peacefully in front of the state Capitol on Sunday afternoon.
BLM Peaceful Protest
A protester waves an American flag with an "X" painted on it during a peaceful protest Sunday near the state Capitol.
WATCH NOW: Protests over George Floyd's death continue outside state Capitol on Sunday
Sunday protest
Law enforcement in riot gear stand guard on the steps of the state Capitol building during a peaceful protest on Sunday While the protest was peaceful, events that had unfolded the night before was enough to warrant police to take precaution.
WATCH NOW: Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird provides updates on protests in Lincoln
Watch: Volunteers help businesses clean up Lincoln Mall
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
A pair of individuals leap from the broken window of the 3 Landmark Centre building after retrieving fire extinguishers early Sunday.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The cost of replacing the fire-damaged Universal-Inland Insurance building could reach $20 million, according to a preliminary city damage report.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Lincoln Police detain three occupants of a car near 12th Street and Lincoln Mall during overnight protests in late May.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Lincoln police advance into the intersection of 12th and Lincoln Mall on May 31 following protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Broken glass from a bus stop at 11th and Lincoln Mall fills the trash on May 31, following overnight protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Buildings along Lincoln Mall had broken windows on May 31 following protests down the street at the County-City building.
George Floyd Protest
Jaida Graves, who was hit by Trever Kurtz's Chevy Avalanche pickup, raises her fist as she was loaded onto an ambulance during a protest in response of the death of George Floyd near 25th and O Streets on May 30.
Watch Now: Morning-after view of damage from Saturday night’s violence in Lincoln
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Lincoln Fire and Rescue crews continued work May 31 at Universal-Inland Insurance, a multi-story building on Lincoln Mall where vandals sparked a fire in overnight riots.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Broken windows on the southwest corner of 3 Landmark Centre on Sunday, May 31, 2020, following protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
Crews, including volunteers, showed up to help to clean up vandalism along Lincoln Mall.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The Lincoln Fire Department returned to the scene of an overnight fire at the Universal-Inland Insurance building on Sunday, May 31, 2020, following protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The Lincoln Fire Department returned to the scene of an overnight fire at the Universal-Inland Insurance building on Sunday, May 31, 2020, following protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The Lincoln Fire Department firefighters remove files from an office at the scene of an overnight fire at the Universal-Inland Insurance building on Sunday, May 31, 2020, following protests down the street at the County-City building.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The Abraham Lincoln statue on the west side of the Nebraska Capitol was spray-painted with an anarchist symbol during protests Sunday morning.
Protest and Cleanup, 5.31
The Abraham Lincoln statue on the west-side of the Nebraska State Capitol was spray-painted with an anarchist symbol during an overnight protest on Sunday, May 31, 2020.
Watch Now: Protests erupt into violence in Lincoln Saturday night
Watch Now: Saturday night protests in downtown Lincoln Part 2
Early Morning Protest
A woman looks on from a car in front of County-City Building as protesters clash with police, Saturday.
Early Morning Protest
Onlookers gather at the gas station opposite of County-City Building as protesters clash with police, Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters gather at Lincoln Mall during a clash with police near County-City Building, Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters gather in front of County-City Building as tear gas is seen in the air on May 30.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters gather in front of County-City Building as tear gas is seen in the air, Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters sparked a fire in an office building along Lincoln Mall on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement briefly detained Xavier Packett and Dillon Siebe, who entered buildings with fire extinguishers to douse blazes set by vandals in office buildings along Lincoln Mall, early Sunday. They were later released.
Early Morning Protest
A woman raises her fist against advancing law enforcement during Saturday night's protest on Lincoln Mall.
Early Morning Protest
A fellow protester offers spray to a man hit by tear gas on Saturday night.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement clashed with protesters on Lincoln Mall on May 31. In response to reform calls, the city accelerated its plan to equip Lincoln police with body cameras, and the Lancaster County Board approved funding for the County Sheriff’s Office to implement its own body camera program.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters raise their hands against law enforcement advancing along Lincoln Mall on Saturday night.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters offer aid to someone injured during a a Black Lives Matter rally which turned violent on May 30. Law enforcement fired non-lethal projectiles and tear gas at protesters to control the crowd.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters vandalize an office building on Lincoln Mall on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters vandalize an office building on Lincoln Mall on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
A person uses a phone to capture the scene as protests turned violent in downtown Lincoln on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement in riot gear advance from the County-City Building and down Lincoln Mall on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement officers in riot gear advance from County-City Building toward protesters along Lincoln Mall on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Tear gas shrouds law enforcement and a protester outside the County-City Building on Saturday.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters tossed fireworks at law enforcement officers guarding the entrance to the County-City Building late on May 30.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement in riot gear deployed tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters on May 30.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters tossed fireworks in the direction of law enforcement guarding the entrance to the County-City Building on May 30.
Early Morning Protest
A man wipes his eyes after law enforcement deployed tear gas on protesters late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters gather near the County-City Building on Saturday night.
Early Morning Protest
Fireworks tossed in the direction of law enforcement explodes outside the County-City Building on May 31.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters raise their hands in front of the County-City Building on Saturday night.
Early Morning Protest
Protesters gather in front of County-City Building on Saturday night.
Early Morning Protest
A couple embrace on Lincoln Mall as protesters clash with law enforcement at the County-City Building on Saturday.
Leo Celis Protest
Leo Celis raises his hands in front of the County-City Building on May 30. He was hit several times by rubber bullets, including one that struck him near his right eye.
Early Morning Protest
Law enforcement officers stand at the entrance to the County-City Building on May 31 during a night of clashes between police and protesters.
Protest
A protester calls for help after a woman is hit with a rubber bullet in the Lincoln Mall area when a peaceful protest turned violent late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Saturday protest
A protester launches a bottle rocket as Saturday's peaceful protest suddenly turned violent near the County-City Building.
Water
Water from an opened fire hydrant fills the street as protesters clash with law enforcement late Saturday near the County-City Building.
Mortar firework
A protester lobs a mortar firework at police late Saturday night at the County-City Building.
Shattered glass
A person bikes past a shattered entrance to a building on the Lincoln Mall late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Helping tear gas victim
A protester uses water to help a man who was hit with tear gas in an attempt to wash it off late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Throwing brick
A vandal throws a brick at a bus stop window late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Breaking window
A vandal breaks windows of a building on the Lincoln Mall late Saturday night near the County-City Building.
Protesters
Protesters at 48th and O on Saturday, May 30.
Protesters
Hundreds of protesters near 48th and O on Saturday, May 30.
Protesters
Protesters walk down O Street from 48th on Saturday, May 30.
Protesters
Protesters at 48th and O on Saturday, May 30.
WATCH: Protesters return to Lincoln streets on Saturday
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
LINCOLN, NEB. - 05/30/2020 - Protesters gathered on both sides of K St. on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at the Nebraska State Capitol. FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
LINCOLN, NEB. - 05/30/2020 - Protesters march down O Street before turning left on 9th Street en route to the County-City Building on Saturday, May 30, 2020. FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
On days and nights this spring when protesters critical of police brutality gathered at the County-City Building, Lancaster County Sheriff's deputies and Lincoln Police Department officers often organized on the steps.
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
Protesters gathered at the Nebraska State Capitol on Saturday, May 30, 2020.
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
LINCOLN, NEB. - 05/30/2020 - Protesters march down to the County-City Building on S. 10th St. on Saturday, May 30, 2020, after beginning at the Nebraska State Capitol. FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
LINCOLN, NEB. - 05/30/2020 - After leaving the capitol, protesters coverged on the County-City Building on Saturday, May 30, 2020. FRANCIS GARDLER, JOURNAL STAR
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
Sheriff's deputies watch protesters as they converge on the County-City Building on May 30 after they marched from the Nebraska State Capitol.
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
Lincoln Police Department Chief Jeff Bliemeister addresses protesters May 30 at the state Capitol.
Protest at Capitol, 5.30
Protesters head north down Centennial Mall on Saturday after leaving the State Capitol.
George Floyd Protest
Items litter the ground around the EZ GO gas station on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
Onlookers stop to take in the scene of the Metro PCS on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
A man clears shattered glass from the ground of the Metro PCS store after protesters broke the windows on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
A police vehicle sits outside of the EZ GO gas station on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
A worker uses a broom to push out a broken glass frame at the EZ GO gas station on Saturday morning, following overnight protests that turned violent.
George Floyd Protest
A man walks his bike past a door spray-painted with "George Floyd Murderers" after a night of protests in Lincoln.
George Floyd Protest
George Floyd is spray-painted on a wall near the intersection of 27th and O streets on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
Property manager Roger Stolley shovels broken glass from the floor of the Metro PCS on Saturday morning.
WATCH NOW: Lincoln police chief provides update on overnight protests
George Floyd Protest
Windows at the Ez Go gas station are seen broken after it was looted Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
People walk in and out of the Ez Go convenience store as it was being looted on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
People kneel down and raise their hands at the Ez Go gas station near 26th and O Streets on Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters raise their fists as they face police who responded to vandalism at the EZ Go near 25th and O streets Saturday morning.
George Floyd Protest
People enter and exit the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets during a protest that turned into looting early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A firework explodes between protesters and police outside the EZ GO at 25th and O streets in late May.
George Floyd Protest
Lincoln police officers stand guard outside the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets, which was looted after a protest early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A woman was being helped after tear gas was used to disperse crowds after looting at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets after a protest early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters knee in front of the police at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets during a protest early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Advancing police officers in riot gear push forward as two protesters confront them near 25th and O Streets early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters raise their hands as they confront police at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets after it has been looted early Saturday morning, following a protest of the killing of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Police disperse crowds at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets during a protest that turned into looting early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Police deploy tear gas to push back the remaining crowd near 26th and O streets after a nearby gas station was looted after a protest early May 30 following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Police officers stand guard outside the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets after it has been looted following a protest early Saturday morning in response of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A protester throws a window cleaner at police standing guard at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets during a protest that turned into looting early May 30 following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A small team of police retreat after initially trying to disperse the gathering crowd outside a gas station that was looted on May 30 in response to the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A man extinguishes a fire after vandals looted the EZ GO at 25th and O streets in late May. One of the business' owners said the act gave him "a little bit of hope for our fellow citizens."
George Floyd Protest
A policeman uses pepper spray to disperse the crowd at an EZ GO gas station that was looted after a protest early May 30 following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters raise their hands in front of police near 25th and O streets as they protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A man breaks the windows of a MetroPCS store near 26th and O Streets after a protest about the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis turned to looting.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters and onlookers gather as police station at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets early Saturday morning for a protest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Police deploy tear gas to push back the remaining crowd near 26th and O streets on May 30.
George Floyd Protest
A breaks the windows of a MetroPCS store near 26th and O Streets early Saturday after protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis turned into looting.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters raise their hands in front of Lincoln police early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Protesters stand in front of police at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets in late May.
George Floyd Protest
A protester confronts the police at the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets during a protest that turned into looting early Saturday morning following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
Police secure the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets after it was looted after a protest in late May.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near a police car near 26th and O streets to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A Lincoln police officer asks people to move away from a police car near 26th and O streets early May 30 during a protest of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday morning to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A Lincoln police officer tries to ask people to move away from a police car near 26th and O streets early May 30 as they protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A woman tries to stop the crowd outside an EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets early Saturday morning after windows were broken in a protest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday protesting the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
A woman walks out of the EZ GO gas station at 25th and O streets that was looted early Saturday morning after a protest following of the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday morning, protesting the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O Streets early Saturday to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday morning to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday morning to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer.
George Floyd Protest
People gather near 26th and O streets early Saturday morning to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis.
BLM Protest
Sen. Ernie Chambers (right) and Harper Anderson (left) joined about a dozen Stand In for Lincoln protesters outside of the state Capitol on Friday. "It's our job to speak out against white supremacy in this extremely broken system," Anderson said.
BLM Protest
Meghan Muehling (left) and Harper Anderson hold up signs to passing drivers near the state Capitol on Friday. They were protesting deaths that were the result of police brutality. "Cops need to protect and serve and not murder people," Muehling said.
BLM Protest
A protester holds a sign protesting the death of George Floyd on Friday at the state Capitol. The protest was organized by Stand In for Lincoln. "We've been angry since George Floyd's death, and we have wanted to speak out, this was our first chance to do so," Tami Damian (not pictured) said.
BLM Protest
A protester holds up a sign protesting the death of George Floyd on Friday in Lincoln.
BLM Protest
Sen. Ernie Chambers joins Stand In for Lincoln protesters outside the state Capitol on May 29, 2020.
BLM Protest
Tami Damian holds up a sign at the state Capitol on Friday protesting the death of George Floyd.
Watch Now: LSO video of curfew arrests May 31
Watch Now: Curfew arrests on May 31
Reach the writer at 402-473-2657 or rjohnson@journalstar.com.
On Twitter @LJSRileyJohnson.
"We work hard to keep politics out of law enforcement." Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner
