There have been questions surrounding what protesters are doing to get their points across and even about who has the right to take part in the protests over the death of George Floyd.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams says the NYPD started off on the wrong foot by creating tension and not letting protesters fight for their cause.

“Telling folks how to protest and express their pain is not going to be helpful,” he told NY1. “I firmly believe if we listen to what people are saying, and begin to address it, that is the best thing that we can do.”

He says that there will be discomfort ahead, but the protesters need their space. 

“We started this off all wrong,” says Williams to officers. “Give the protesters some space to express their anger, express their pain.”

Williams joined protesters over the weekend.