George Floyd vigil in Dungannon

The vigil, organised by the 1916 societies will take place tonight, Wednesday June 3, at 6pm in Anne Street, Dungannon.

Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old from Minneapolis suffered a cardiac arrest while being restrained by Police.

A video showing a  police officer kneeling on his neck even after he pleaded with the officer telling him he could not breath has reignited deep-seated anger over the killing of black Americans by police.

In a joint statement, independent Councillors Barry Monteith and Dan Kerr have called on people of Mid Ulster to join with them.

“‘Take a knee’ and attend a George Floyd solidarity vigil in Ann Street,” the statement begins.

“Organised by the 1916 committee it will be short and comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines.

“Please arrive in your car and stay in the vehicle as directed by stewards. Feel free to bring black flags. George Floyd is the latest victim in the history of racism.”

The councillors also claimed the people of Ireland know only too well “how it feels to be harassed, assaulted, shot and killed”.

The event takes place tonight in Anne Street, Dungannon.