NYC law enforcement members hold a rally in support of Colin Kaepernick

New York law enforcement members held a rally in Brooklyn on Saturday to show public support for NFL free agent Colin Kaepernick, a year after he began his national anthem protest to bring awareness to racial inequality and police brutality. According to NY1, 100 law enforcement members gathered, and were joined by city councilman Jumaane Williams, who says he was invited by the group.

One law enforcement member, Sergeant Edwin Raymond, laid out reasons for why he and his colleagues support Kaepernick:

"The way he's being railroaded for speaking the obvious truth, this is not what America was founded on. Some may argue that what he's doing is more American, because this country was actually founded on challenging injustice. As members of law enforcement, we can confirm that the issues that he is saying exist in policing and throughout the criminal justice system."

And so did Williams:

“All of the people behind me risk their lives, so to speak, to protect folks, and they are standing with Kaepernick, because they understand how important it is to push back on the structure.”

It’s become clear that with his protest, Kaepernick has started a movement, inspiring other athletes to join in protest, in spite of the vitriol that gets thrown at them. And it’s still going on a year later, with other NFL players like Marshawn Lynch, Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long, Michael Bennett and Martellus Bennett, and Justin Britt taking their own stand. Now Kaepernick and, by extension, everyone who’s been inspired by him, have 100 law enforcement members supporting them.

(via NY1)