Denver, May 30 (RHC)-- Michael Hancock, the mayor of Denver, Colorado, called for calm and unity after the first of several planned city protests over George Floyd's death turned violent.

"Let not the story be about the riots and protests. Let's keep the focus on the life that was lost," he said.

"I can tell you not to go out and demonstrate but the reality is it's going to happen," Hancock said at a news briefing, stressing he shared outrage over what he's called the "senseless and tragic murder" of Floyd in Minneapolis.

Hancock blamed what he called a minority of agitators among peaceful protesters for inciting violence throughout downtown Denver.  That violence included throwing rocks at police officers, setting small fires, and breaking windows and damaging cars at the state Capitol and at businesses.