Richmonders raise hands, protest Ferguson violence - Cincinnati News, FOX19-WXIX TV

More than 200 people marched to Monroe Park Thursday, in silent protest against the violence following the death of a Ferguson, MO teenager.

Richmond police escorted the marchers along Broad Street, just after officers shook hands with the organizers of the event. The visuals painted a sharp contrast to the events unfolding outside of St. Louis, where an officer shot and killed unarmed teenager Michael Brown.

"I'm exhausted, I'm angry, I feel like this is just so dehumanizing," said protester Kara Thompson in an interview Thursday. "Even if this does not directly affect you, I feel like, you're all human… It matters to know this is happening."

Once the marchers reached Monroe Park, participants came together and raised their hands for a half hour. The form of protest mirrored demonstrators in Ferguson, who raised their hands when they met a line of police in riot gear.

A Ferguson officer shot Brown Saturday, when police say the 18-year-old became involved in a struggle with an unidentified patrolman. Police said Brown attempted to reach for the officer's gun, an account disputed by a witness.

The confrontation happened when Brown and a friend were walking home from a convenience store.

The Richmond march coincided with 90 other protests around the nation, organized as part of the National Moment of Silence 2014 event. The demonstrations began at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with the moment of silence from Richmond to Los Angeles beginning at 7:20 p.m. Eastern.

"It takes small steps, small steps make big effects," said Richmond protester Ratwoine Fields. "We're just exhausted so we want to inspire not only others, but ourselves, to do something."

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