Law Enforcement Walks Alongside Wagoner Citizens During Peaceful Protest

WAGONER, Okla. - Members of law enforcement walked alongside citizens in Wagoner during a peaceful protest Thursday.

People from businesses cheered as the group marched. Police officers and the Mayor marched along with more than 100 people from all backgrounds, sharing a message of unity.

"Just because Wagoner's small doesn't mean our voices have to be," said Adriana Scruggs.

Adriana Scruggs made her voice heard by helping gather a huge crowd of people of all ages, backgrounds and races.

"We can show our little town can come together as one," Scruggs said.

Scruggs organized the March against Injustice along with Jonathan Seltenreich.

He reached out to Scruggs who initially received backlash on social media for trying to organize an event in Wagoner.

"She told me what she wanted a demonstration of unity and peace," Seltenreich said.

That's exactly what happened. People held signs and chanted and were cheered on by downtown businesses.

"It's a blessing to walk these streets and participate in something like this," said Wagoner Police Deputy Chief Tony Ponds.

Ponds helped lead the crowd.

"It was great. I've been blessed here. I'm the first African American deputy chief of police," he said.

Mayor Albert Jones marched as well.

"I'm very proud. This was very methodical and planned out," Jones said.

The crowd gathered near the courthouse and kneeled in silence for almost nine minutes to honor George Floyd's life.

"We wanted to speak out for all those people who didn't have voices," said Tabius Owens.

Several city leaders, activists and a state representative spoke as the rally wrapped up near the courthouse.