Keke Palmer urges National Guardsmen to join George Floyd protest

June 03, 2020


Keke Palmer urged members of the National Guard to “stand with the community” during a protest in Hollywood on Tuesday over the killing of George Floyd.

In a video posted on Twitter by NBC News correspondent Gadi Schwartz, the 26-year-old actress delivered an impassioned plea to the group of armed Guardsman on a crowded street.

“The borders are closed. We can’t leave. We have people here that need your help,” she says. “This is when y’all stand together with the community, with society, to stop the governmental oppression. Period. We need you, so march with us.”

The “Akeelah and the Bee” star continues: “March with us. March beside us. Get your people. March beside us. Let the revolution be televised. March beside us and show us that you’re here for us. Let’s just do it. We start marching and you march with us. Make history with us please!”

One Guardsman then extends his hand, but Palmer says: “No, no, no — let’s just do it. We start marching, and you march with us. Please.”

The soldier explains that he can’t leave his post but offered “to march through this street with you guys” to the next intersection.

“March with us, it will send a huge message,” the “Hustlers” star asks him. “You’re the protector. … If you’re supposed to be patrolling us, then walk with us.”

He explains that he must remain in the area as “patrol” for businesses, prompting Palmer to say, “I’m at a loss.”

The footage ends with the Guardsmen agreeing to take a knee at the urging of another protester — but Palmer is heard saying the gesture is “not enough.”

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