Organizers presented a list of demands to the department, including disclosure of the messages, release of body-worn camera footage from Massey’s shooting and termination of the police department’s agreement with Flock Safety, whose surveillance system became part of the text-message investigation.

The messages were uncovered after a former officer was accused of misusing the Flock system. Organizers said the texts showed officers allegedly competing to stop the most Black drivers.

“This is an inherently racist system,” said Trinity Maeshack of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. She called for a broader change so that justice would not have to be demanded.

Police Chief Estella Patterson has said the department is auditing body-camera footage to assess whether the conduct reflected a wider problem. “In determining this we have begun and will continue auditing BWC footage,” Patterson said at a recent news conference.

The protest also focused on Massey, who was killed Sept. 18 during an encounter with officers. Police said officers fired after Massey pulled out a gun during a foot chase. Demonstrators chanted in support of his family and called for the release of footage from the shooting.

“It has been over a month and nothing has been released,” said community activist Kass Ottley. Ottley said the lack of information reopened painful memories for the community, citing the anniversaries of the killings of Jonathan Ferrell and Keith Lamont Scott.

On Sept. 22, the department petitioned to release the body-camera video. Patterson said the footage would be made public after a judge sets guidelines, adding that she was committed to transparency while protecting the integrity of an active investigation.