A CNN reporter was arrested and later released in Minneapolis. The governor later apologized
May 30. UPDATE 6:30 pm. By Dave Yochum. Local law enforcement officials are speaking out about violent protests in Minneapolis and around the country after George Floyd, 46, died with a policeman’s knee pressed into his neck.
Davidson Police Chief Penny Dunn said: “The men and women of the Davidson Police Department condemn brutality of all kinds. An act of police brutality diminishes public trust and, most importantly, the relationships we build in our community.”
Davidson Police Chief Penny Dunn
In a message to residents she said the circumstances of Floyd’s death and “the failure of other officers on scene to protect him…are shocking to us all.”
State of Emergency
The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have declared a State of Emergency after demonstrations near Johnson C. Smith University and the Excelsior Club turned violet last night.
Three officers were injured, as well as windows smashed out of police cars and a police sub-station on Beatties Ford Road in north Charlotte.
Preparing for more demonstrations
Police are prepared for more demonstrations and the possibility of more violence tonight as people around the country react to Floyd’s death.
Chief Dunn said there are techniques for de-escalating situations, as well as a duty to intervene should an officer appear to be escalating verbally or physically when not warranted.
Minneapolis police officers knelt or stood by while Floyd was killed. The brutal episode was captured on a video, several minutes long.
“Standing by while an act of harm is committed, by a member of the public or by a member of the department, is unacceptable. Our duty to protect everyone is regardless if they wear a uniform or not. An act of police brutality diminishes public trust and, most importantly, the relationships we build in our community,” the Davidson police chief said.
Second State of Emergency in 4 years
It’s the second time in four years that the City of Charlotte finds itself under a state of emergency. In 2016 Keith Lamont Scott, a 43-year-old African-American man, was fatally shot by Brentley Vinson, an African-American city police officer. Police officers had arrived at Scott’s apartment complex to search for an unrelated man with an outstanding warrant.
Violent demonstrations occurred and one person was shot in the head during the protests.
US REP ADAMS
US Rep. Alma Adams (NC-12) called the deaths of African-Americans like Scott, and Floyd modern-day lynchings and a “failure of individuals within police departments across the country to value Black lives.”
The Congresswoman said, “In this moment, we must be the spark that ignites justice, but we cannot light a fire so hot that it consumes us as well.
Charlotte City Council member Braxton Winston was among the protesters arrested last night. He was released early Saturday morning.
Cornelius issues statement
The Town of Cornelius issued a statement Saturday at 6 pm, condemning the circumstances around Floyd’s death. To read the statement, click here.
NAACP, police joint statement in Concord
In Concord, the Cabarrus County NAACP and Concord Police Department issued a joint statement: “We pray that calm, peaceful demonstrations may soon take place in Minneapolis, and elsewhere around the country, so that we can properly honor the life of Mr. Floyd while strongly objecting to his indefensible and unconscionable death.”
