Muhammad: “I was 100% ready and willing to die right there”
On Monday evening, nearly 300 protestors converged on downtown Carmel.
The event began with a crowd blocking Main Street just west of Rangeline Road until Carmel Police Officer Mike Miller addressed the crowd. Miller told the protestors, “We are here to protect you and your freedom of speech, but you cannot walk down the middle of the street.”
After Miller’s warning, protestors took to the sidewalk chanting anti-police and black lives matters sentiments.
The event ended peacefully just before dark.
Brainard
Shortly after the protest, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard issued a statement that included a Disaster Emergency Declaration.
The declaration included screen shots of social media threats made against several Hamilton County cities.
One post called upon supporters to burn down Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville and Westfield.
Another social media post, provided in Brainard’s declaration, said, “Tonight we say F… The City and move into the residential areas…the white hoods…and we take what is ours.”
A third post said, “But I don’t get why destroy our part of the city…when all we know Carmel filled with racist bastards! [sic]”
Referring to the Disaster Emergency Declaration, Brainard said, “This is one more tool we have that we can use to maintain order so that those who want to peacefully share their opinions can do so, while making sure that we are protecting our citizens, business owners, employees, visitors and public and private property in the community. The Disaster Emergency Declaration will allow me to institute a local travel advisory restricting travel and activities in area due to a hazardous situation.”
Also on Monday night, protestors marched up Meridian Street to the Governor’s residence in Indianapolis, just five miles south of Carmel.
The protest ended peacefully when police officers agreed to walk with the crowd.
“When we pulled up and they [the police] were immediately ready for us, I was 100 percent ready and willing to die right there,” said protest organizer Malik Muhammad to the Reporter’s newsgathering partner WISH-TV.
Muhammad
“I never in a million years thought I would embrace a cop like that.”
“My motto has always been all cops are bastards, but maybe I’m wrong.”
“We don’t stop at one night. Tomorrow night we may be out there.”
“I will lay down my life for this. I will lay down my life for my brothers and sisters,” concluded Muhammad.
On Tuesday evening, a non-violent protest was held in Westfield and local officials say additional protests are likely to occur throughout the week in Hamilton County.