Protesters embrace police at Black Lives Matter rally in Seaside

UPDATE 7/13/2016 10:45 PM: It was an unexpected ending to a Black Lives Matter rally in Seaside on Wednesday when protesters and Seaside police officers embraced one another in solidarity.

“I don’t think we had a bad word said to us,” said Cmdr. Chris Veloz with the Seaside Police Department.

Officers said they showed up at the rally on Fremont Street to show their support for a community that is clearly upset after two black men were killed in separate shootings in Minnesota and Louisiana.

“I came out here to support Black Lives Matter because I believe it does matter. All lives do,” said Seaside resident Howard Washington.

Protesters marched peacefully, holding signs and waving American flags. People even brought their kids to the event.

“We are learning about how to do respect, respect,” said 7-year-old Travonte Reddick.

Parents said it’s important to teach their kids to have a good relationship with police.

“They wanted to come and show their support and their signs and shirt just showing that we are all here and we care,” said Seaside resident Emalee Kenyon.

Officers were out monitoring the protest and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office had deputies on standby in case it got rowdy. But the crowd proved to be peaceful while pushing for change.

“If we just come together as a community and come together as a people, everything will come together,” said Washington.

The event was not officially affiliated with the Black Lives Matter organization. Protesters were just supporters of the group’s message.

PREVIOUS: Around 100 protestors are rallying in Seaside tonight in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. The event is taking place at the corner of Fremont Boulevard and Broadway in Seaside.

Organizers say the event is not officially affiliated with the Black Lives Matter network, but protestors support its message.

KION’s Monica Jacquez is covering the story and will report live from the rally tonight at 6 p.m. with additional coverage at 11 on KION, your Central Coast News Source.