Law enforcement joined protesters in march through Waukesha after George Floyd's death

WAUKESHA -- Hundreds gathered in Waukesha on Monday, June 1 -- protesting the officer-involved death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. The group marched through the city, with a stop at the Waukesha County Courthouse, and continued through residential neighborhoods downtown -- and at one point, law enforcement knelt with the protesters.

The Waukesha police chief addressed the crowd before they departed Frame Park after gathering around 11 a.m. He indicated police wanted to help them with this march -- to keep the group safe. He also noted police brutality is not tolerated in his department.

Protesters said they wanted to demonstrate against police brutality and racial inequality across the country.

During the march, the names of Floyd and others who have died in police custody were read.

Protesters interacted with law enforcement stationed along the way. At one point, law enforcement knelt with the crowd -- prompting cheers and thank yous.

The organizer of the demonstration described what it was like to see the "Black Lives Matter" message spread through the city.

"It's beautiful to see so many colors, and creeds, and people out here without burning a city down, without throwing rocks at officers or have officers tear gas us," said Waukesha Police Chief Daniel Thompson. "That's a beautiful thing if we can all come out here, and be peaceful, and get our message across. I feel the world can move in a better place. We are part of the community. We don't accept police brutality. It is unacceptable."

The protest continued until about 4 p.m.

Waukesha Mayor Shawn Reilly issued this statement: