Denver organizer sits out Monday’s protests after harrowing discovery on Google
DENVER (KRDO) -- Tay Anderson is a Denver School Board member who has been seen prominently leading peaceful marches and organizing during protests in Denver in response to the killing of George Floyd -- but Anderson won't be taking part in Monday's protest because of a series of threats he found by "Googling" his name.
Anderson wrote on Twitter Monday afternoon that he found Google searches related to his name that indicate he may be a target for violent acts.
"There have been a series of Google searches that have been uncovered that potentially make me a target, and I refuse to put anyone at risk," Anderson wrote.
If you search "Tay Anderson" on Google, you find legitimate results for web pages associated with him. However, at the bottom of the web page where you can see related searches, Google shows that people have been searching for "Tay Anderson shot" and "Tay Anderson shot in back of head."
Today I have made the painful decision to stay at home while protest continue.
— Tay Anderson (@TayAndersonCO) June 1, 2020
There have been a series of google searches that have been uncovered that potentially make me a target and I refuse to put anyone at risk. pic.twitter.com/dvctyOF9K9
Anderson has expressed his frustration with the few protesters in Denver who have turned violent. He told our partners at 9News this weekend, "We want people to understand that this movement is about bringing justice to George Floyd's death, not about destroying the city."
Floyd was killed after a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, held him down with a knee on his neck for nearly 10 minutes. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
