Gov. Phil Murphy expresses his support for demonstrations to protest police brutality after the death of George Floyd – despite his social distancing executive order to slow the spread of COVID-19.

 

Murphy said Monday that he is leaving it up to the state’s residents to choose if they protest, but he urged them to act responsibly.

“You have a right to go out peacefully and rightfully protest, but please be smart about your health,” Murphy said.

But when asked about gatherings last month to protest his state-at-home orders, Murphy said, “It’s one thing to protest when nail salons are opening and it’s another to come out in peaceful protest overwhelmingly about a person who was murdered right before our eyes.”

The governor says that demonstrations in 28 out of 30 New Jersey cities were peace. He says that his administration has worked to hold police officers accountable for their actions.