INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Governor Eric Holcomb and state law enforcement leaders discuss recent protests.
Over the weekend, protests happened across the country as many spoke out about the death of Minneapolis man George Floyd, who died while in police custody.
“What started out as an understandable and needed, quite frankly, response to the disgusting, gross, violent, and fatal injustice against Mr. George Floyd has turned into anything but a proper time mourning,” said Governor Eric Holcomb.
This includes protests in Indiana cities such as Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Evansville, and Fort Wayne.
“Hoosier citizens should know peacefully protesting and demonstrating for this cause is a noble one rightly protected by our first amendment,” Holcomb said.
While standing in support of peaceful protests, Holcomb says what he does not support is some of violence that the state has seen over the weekend.
“Coordinated efforts to unlawfully breaking in and entering, shooting at law enforcement officials and setting fires has taken on a tone of organized crime,” Holcomb said.
Holcomb says he will continue to assist local communities in their efforts to protect Hoosiers and their property.
On Monday, the Superintendent of the Indiana State Police also discussed his thoughts on the recent protests.
“As a leader in this profession, I and so many others like me around our great nation must hold our officers accountable and you should expect nothing less of me,” said Superintendent Doug carter, Indiana State Police.
Carter says while working towards solutions, he is asking the community to together without violence or destruction.
“We’ve lost the confidence of our citizens and we’ve lost the confidence of our communities and I said earlier we take responsibility, but now you’ve got to help us. Because we cannot allow the behavior that we’ve experienced and seen over these last 72 hours continue, it simply cannot,” Carter said.
Over Sunday, Governor Holcomb did activate the National Guard to protect state property that was damaged in Indianapolis.
Holcomb says at this time is unknown how long the National Guard will be used but he will move resources to areas in need.
