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Community members protest after officer-involved shooting in Lafayette

Posted at 11:52 PM, Aug 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-23 00:52:12-04

The anger and emotion were palpable on the streets of Lafayette today, but who came out protest and why?

Chants from protesters following the death of Trayford Pellerin. Some coming out who knew Pellerin personally, others there to show their support.

"Eleven bullets being unloaded on someone that I knew and I saw in our community that never anybody. I would see him and he would go about his business. To see that happen last night was devastating," said Lafayette NAACP, Devon Norman.

"Something absolutely has to change because we don't want our citizens dying when there's other routes to protect our citizens which is their job," said protester, Lauren Allen.

Several community organizations including the National National Association for the Advancement of Colored People organized the event. They wanted to create change within the city. Some who attended say they're hurting for Pellerin's family.

"It broke my heart. As the son of a black mother, my heart breaks for his mom. My prayers go out to her," said protester Jamal Taylor.

Others say they still have more questions about how the situation was handled.

"I don't understand why as you see in the video he was walking down the road, why didn't they use non lethal tactics then? With multiple officers there and 10 shots fired. I think that's a little ridiculous," said protester, Gregory Treadwell.

The goal remained the same for all in attendance which is to improved relations between police and the communities they serve.

"It's very imperative for you to be strategic in your fight for justice. You have to strategize and you have to follow the narrative of the legal representation that you have."

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