DES MOINES, Iowa — As Local 5 covers the protests and the people turning them violent at times, it's important to understand why these protests are occurring.
"We really need to amplify black voices," said Sydney, a lone protester outside of the Des Moines Police Department on Monday.
"I protest, you know, just for me because I matter," explained Justice Carter, an African American protester.
"It would be nice if the chief would put together a protest, would put together a march. It would be nice if they got in the streets with us and just walked with us and understood us."
As has been seen the last few nights, organized protests have started peacefully before ending with looting and riots.
Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, says those looting are using the Black Lives Matter movement for violence and hijacking the message.
"The police, when they respond to those agitators, cannot allow the windows of Hy-Vee to be busted out. They can't allow people to break into the mall."
City leaders tell Local 5 that as more gatherings and vigils happen for the memory of George Floyd they hope that a conversation can be started and stay civil.
All photos: George Floyd Des Moines protest May 31, 2020
WATCH: George Floyd protest coverage on Local 5's YouTube page