COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, Utah -- On Friday, a Black Lives Matter protest crossed the street in Cottonwood Heights to protest near a group supporting law enforcement.
There were some intense moments as one person, not affiliated with either group, seemed to provoke the crowd.
The protest was very peaceful overall.
Steven Aste, who came to support law enforcement, said protesters have the right to be there.
“But when it becomes violent,” Aste said, "that’s when people like me need to come out and say 'That’s enough.'”
For Black Lives Matter protester Jonathan Rice, he came to have his voice heard.
“I’ve been a victim of the harassment by this police department and by several other departments in Utah,” said Rice. “I just feel it’s necessary to enact change.”
Others like Fifi Latteier came for the love of country as well as fellow protesters.
“I do recognize that Black lives matter, they do,” said Latteier. “I’m not going to discount that phrase.”
For Latteier, it’s not the phrase in question, but rather the organization Black Lives Matter.
“I was brought up to be strong and I don’t need someone to be a voice for me,” said Latteier. “I can be my own.”
A sentiment shared by Faith Kershisnik, a protester supporting Black Lives Matter.
“For me, it feels like the right thing to do for who I know and love,” said Kershisnik. “And for those I don’t know and love.”
Whatever the cause, the protests ended peacefully Friday night — something Rice said is a success.
“A group being peaceful is better than a small group being violent,” said Rice.
