Supporters and protesters gather at City Hall for police rally

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Many Houstonians gathered at city hall on Thursday for a police appreciation rally.

The organizers said the rally was meant to be a peaceful demonstration in support of law enforcement. They said they were feeling like police were not receiving a lot of support in wake of the recent protests happening around the world, so they decided to organize the rally.

"My main purpose is to keep law enforcement informed that they do have supporters, no matter," rally organizer Charlie Diggs said. "I'm letting all these officers know that we love and support them and their community is behind them. Don't quit and stick behind us because we need law enforcement. I don't want to live in a world without law enforcement. I don't want my daughter growing up in a world without law enforcement."

RELATED: 'It's our city. Don't let 'em take it,' HPD Chief Art Acevedo says

All of the demonstrators were encouraged to wear blue, according to social media posts.

A different crowd was also gathered, chanting "Black lives matter!" and holding signs saying "Defund Police." Barricades separated both groups, and Houston police said they were nearby to help keep the peace.

"Black lives do matter, but this is not about the hashtag "Black Lives Matter," said a protester. "This is about the issue of police brutality and treatment of people of color."

The rally ended just before midnight, and no major incidents came out of the event.

SEE MORE: Chief Art Acevedo reacts to killing of George Floyd