SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Protesters showing solidarity with George Floyd gathered downtown Sioux Falls to march on Sunday.

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Updated 5:55 p.m.

The protest ended outside the Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County Law Enforcement Center.

As of 6:15 p.m., with the official event over, people were leaving the area following a protest that included signs of solidarity and calls to continue to fight racism in the community.

A @siouxfallspd officer tells me everything is going smoothly so far. #kelonews

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

Police were present to monitor the event. Protestors told our KELOLAND News crews on the scene they appreciated police not showing up in riot gear.

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Updated 5:30 p.m.

The crowd’s next stop was at the Minnehaha County Courthouse where two speakers shared words to encourage people to vote and do better going forward. Dr. Laura Renée Chandler talked about how George Floyd moved to Minneapolis for better opportunities and better his life.

“The city took his life instead,” Chandler said.

Vaney Hariri said energy is needed to keep the movement going forward.

“We don’t need your anger; we need your activity,” Hariri said.

#kelonews pic.twitter.com/mbsGoQDTNt

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

People were offering food to protestors as they listened to speeches outside the Minnehaha County Courthouse. 

One person is walking around offering sandwiches to attendees. #kelonews pic.twitter.com/6N6z4RIa03

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

The Justice for George Floyd organizers shared the speeches live on Facebook during the protest.

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KELOLAND’s Lauren Soluek reported on the event live from downtown Sioux Falls.

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5:33 p.m.

Chants of “I can’t breathe” were heard as people moved from one location to the next.  Those are the words George Floyd said while handcuffed as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck.

#kelonews pic.twitter.com/QGRKzf3HGg

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

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Updated at 5 p.m.

The crowd gathering to protest racism first gathered at Van Eps Park, where people listened to Julian Beaudion speak.

“I promise to fight for justice, equity, and peace,” – the crowd repeats a call from the speaker. #kelonews pic.twitter.com/juLLdunsY5

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

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Updated at 4:50 p.m.

In this tweet from KELOLAND’s Brady Mallory, you can see Downtown Sioux Falls business have begun boarding up and putting cardboard on the windows.

Organizers in Sioux Falls are preparing a peaceful protest for George Floyd. However, rumors of outsider agitator groups have some downtown businesses boarding up/cardboard-ing windows and taking outdoor furniture inside. #kelonews pic.twitter.com/KruuaQTSXK

— Brady Mallory (@KELOBrady) May 31, 2020

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Posted at 3:07 p.m.

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said in a statement posted on his Twitter account on Sunday that “The City of Sioux Falls is working with the organizers of today’s planned protest.”

Mayor TenHaken also said in the statement that “the city has a strong plan of action ready to protect life and property should the event move in an unlawful direction.”

The Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce says they’ve been told that buses are en route to Sioux Falls from Fargo for Sunday’s march. They’re asking downtown businesses to bring in any possible items that could be thrown through windows.

The March for George Floyd was set to begin at 5 p.m. in Downtown Sioux Falls. Follow KELOLAND.com for updates. You can also follow KELOLAND’s Lauren Soulek for live updates from the scene.

Protesters lined the streets near the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and 41st Street Saturday afternoon holding signs with various messages for Floyd and other people of color who have died.