Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus made a statement regarding the death of George Floyd during her weekly update Friday. Backus joins fellow Washington and national leaders and Law Enforcement officials in responding to Floyd’s death.
Floyd, an African-American man, died while in police custody on Monday. Video shot by a bystander shows Floyd handcuffed, lying on his stomach and seemingly subdued as a Minneapolis Police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Officials state Floyd died shortly after the arrest.
Chauvin and the three other MPD officers involved in the incident have been fired. Chauvin was arrested Friday. He has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Floyd’s death has sparked protests in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and around the nation.
Mayor Backus’ full statement:
“I have always been one to say that there are at least two sides to each story, and we shouldn’t jump to conclusions, and that a person is innocent until proven guilty. However, in a situation such as what occurred in Minneapolis earlier this week, there seems to be no doubt that a fatal injustice occurred. George Floyd did not deserve to die. Those who are responsible for his death should be brought to swift justice. It is when authority and power is used in an unjust manner that we must take a step back and oppose the injustice. This is a plea that we do not turn our backs on racism in our country. This is a moment that can define how we act moving forward.
I will also stand behind the fact that the actions of one or even a few do not – cannot define an entire group of people. What we cannot do in response is strike out against law enforcement simply because they wear a uniform. We must be better than this. An overwhelming majority of the men and women in law enforcement in this country are good and just people, and prove it each and every day. They put their lives on the line for our protection and do so proudly – without the need for praise or gratitude. Please, let us remember them and allow them to be part of the answer. It is the only way forward that I can see.”