Eureka Mayor Makes a Statement on George Floyd Protests

EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM) – I have spent the last several days overcome with sadness.  I have cried at stories i have seen from friends and strangers, sharing their personal experiences of oppression. I am sad for the mothers of children of color who live with the fear of their children’s safety. I commend those who have peacefully assembled to speak for justice. 

To that minority of protesters who would seek to use this tragic situation in minnesota as an excuse to destroy property, incite violence, or act out in ways that would otherwise do harm, i would ask you to think about how we are all interconnected in our small community. In this time of uncertainty, when business owners are struggling to stay open and are weighing their options day by day, a broken window could be a deciding factor to give up. Destruction of property is not just about property, it’s also about people’s lives. 

I am thankful for both the citizens who fight for justice and the law enforcement officers who protect that right even when the protest points an uncomfortable finger towards their profession. Change will come from individual communities recognizing and making change. The horror of the incident with George Floyd is not being debated. This is a point of agreement and an opportunity to work together for real change. The City of Eureka and Eureka Police Department want to build a community where everyone feels safe.