Houston, Jun 3 (IANS): Thousands of people gathered in downtown Houston to protest the death of George Floyd, who died while being detained by police in Minnesota.

Organised by family members of Floyd, the protesters marched peacefully from a park downtown to Houston City Hall on Tuesday afternoon, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the pre-march rally, protesters observed a moment of silence, chanting for peace. A prayer was led by a famous local church pastor for the Floyd's family.

As the march continued, more people walked toward Houston City Hall. Sixteen members of Floyd's family as well as political leaders and local artists attended the protest.

In front of the city hall, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner told the crowd that people of all races and across economic status are all standing with George Floyd.

"George did not die in vain. That's important," said the mayor. "We want them to know it made a difference when the police chief in Minneapolis recognizes that the police officer putting his knees on the neck of George was wrong, that the three police officers standing there not doing anything was wrong."

The African American leader also asked the protesters to act peacefully, not defacing the name of George Floyd.

Sending condolence to Floyd's family, US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called for change.

"It is a time for a revolution of change for the dignity for all of us, no matter what our color," she said.

Shortly before the start of the march, the city of Houston sent an alert asking for the public to report any suspicious behavior, local media reported.