“This was the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Bill Burnett, President of the Tampa Bay Chapter, Centurions Motorcycle group. Many members are former or current law enforcement officers.
“We’re going to make a simple statement that we don’t agree with this. That’s it.” Burnett said.
Backlash from Beyonce’s Super Bowl performance set off a firestorm between the superstar and police.
Some say she and her dancers appeared to be dressed similar to Blake Panther Activists, with all black outfits and the signature black berets. Critics say it also paid homage to Black Lives Matter and made references to Malcom X.
Beyonce herself hasn’t publicly said she’s against police but many say actions speak louder than words; a celebrity with such super power influencing a young generation.
“Enough is enough, get over it. If you don’t like police, don’t break the law and you won’t have to bother with them,” Burnett said.
The outrage called into question safety at her Tampa concert. The Tampa police department said at the time there weren’t enough officers volunteering to work security.
“If it was offered to me to work a special detail protecting her group I would say no,” said Burnett.
But not everyone agrees. Fans we found waiting for her arrival say she’s singing about current events and can’t wait to see her slay.
“I love Beyonce she empowers women so I’m all for her, and her message is always positive,” said Tawana Lewis
“I think it’s just a message and some people agree with it and some disagree and that’s just life simply as it is,” said Quentin Bostic.
The Tampa Police Department says there are enough officers who volunteered to work security.
The motorcycle group says they will only be protesting for about 45 minutes.
