By Kerry Longobucco
December 22, 2014 Updated Dec 22, 2014 at 11:32 PM EST
Johnson City, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Dozens of protesters looked to stand up to police brutality, by laying down at the Oakdale Mall.
The staged demonstration turned heads, as the shopping center swarmed with busy crowds of last minute shoppers and children anxiously waiting to see Santa.
Participants of this peaceful protest, known as a "Die-In," aimed to represent minorities, and to demonstrate against police-related violence.
Approximately 30 people participated in lying on the floor in the middle of the hectic mall for four and a half minutes, as swarms of shoppers strolled by.
Protesters said now is the time to have their voices heard, as other officer involved deaths have recently captivated the nation.
"Mike Brown, Eric Garner, Yvette Smith, all those type of people who are being shot and killed by the police," said Robert Black, of Binghamton. "People are sick of it, they're tired of it. They want laws to protect themselves against the police, and I don't blame them."
Others agreed.
"Protests like this are the answer, because direct action is the best way in order to make people aware of what's going on," said Jennifer Hyman. "To use their outrage in a way that's proactive."
The protesters held handmade signs, with slogans like "hands up, don't shoot" and "I can't breathe." These phrases have recently become a staple, as protests of police brutality have swept through cities and towns across the nation.
Participants said they hope their demonstration will encourage peace among police and the people they serve