Saturday Update from Mayor Krewson

It may not look like it in the media, but yesterday's protests were mostly non-violent.

Unfortunately, we had incidents of sporadic violence and vandalism that will be the lasting images written about and played on television.

As I’ve said over the past several days, we will protect the rights of people to protest, demonstrate, and have their opinions heard. We draw the line at violence. We understand the desire to disrupt but we will not understand destruction or hurting people. We will protect all of our residents.

Thank you to law enforcement and all first responders for putting themselves on the line. And thank you to the protesters who remain non-violent and who discouraged others from acting violently. As most of you know, a couple of concerts have been canceled this weekend. I am disappointed for those of you with tickets - however the issues being protested are real impediments to our success as a City.

The decision to cancel the concerts had to be made early. The police department is able to provide the standard level of protection, but with mandatory overtime the additional off-duty officers that would normally help out, were likely not available. The cancellation is disappointing for concert goers, but also for all of the folks who make a living working these events.

I encourage everyone to go about their lives. The balloon race is still on, libraries are open normal hours, and small business owners would love to see us.

 

 

Related Resources

• Mayor Krewsons statement on verdict
• Mayor Krewson's Shares Some Thoughts About the Upcoming Stockley Verdict