COPS plans pro-police protest at Beyonce concert

Friday, May 6, 2016
COPS plan protest at Beyonce concert
The Coalition of Police and Sheriffs is planning a silent protest before and during Beyonce's concert at NRG Stadium Saturday.

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Coalition of Police and Sheriffs, or COPS, says time hasn't healed the wounds from Beyoncé's controversial Super Bowl performance. The group is planning a silent protest before and during her Saturday concert at NRG Stadium. They haven't released specifics, but say anyone going into NRG for the concert will be able to see it.

"Each organization has a membership they have to answer to. And people can protest what they want," says Houston Police Officers Union Vice President Doug Griffith.

"They can do whatever they like. I would hope it be something tasteful and not disrespectful to the law enforcement community as a whole and Beyoncé for that matter."

Griffith says the HPOU chose not to take a position until Bey explained what she was really saying in her performance and hit single "Formation."

"From the initial release of the video, I think it's been blown out of proportion. And I think at the end of the day most people understand she has no problem with law enforcement."

In the April edition of Elle Magazine, Beyoncé said: "...I have so much admiration and respect for officers and the families of officers who sacrifice themselves to keep us safe. But let's be clear: I am against police brutality and injustice."

"...So if you're a good cop, then you should not be offended," says Karen Rogers.

Rogers is a Beyoncé fan who will be attending the concert with friends.

"There are plenty of good police officers out there. I have them in my family. She's not speaking to you," she says. "But I think those who are not necessarily the good cops...I think those who are committing police brutality against unarmed individuals, those are the individuals she's speaking to and sending a clear message that we're taking a stance against police brutality."

"At the end of the day, she's gonna put on her concert. Our officers are gonna go out there and do their job to the best of their ability, make sure everyone is safe out there," adds Griffith.

We reached out to Beyoncé's team about the protest. They had no comment.

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