Three leaders from the Ontario County law enforcement community released a statement on Sunday, following the unrest in communities around the U.S. in response to the killing of George Floyd. One of the city’s in Ontario County is asking residents to stay home, as well.
“The law enforcement leaders of Ontario County wish to respond to the events that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We would like to express our condolences to the family of George Floyd, who tragically
lost his life, during an encounter with police,” Sheriff Kevin Henderson, Canandaigua Police Chief Stephen Hedworth, and Geneva Police Chief Michael Passalaqua said.
“We echo the statement that was released by the Monroe County Law Enforcement Council. As members of the law enforcement profession, we have to acknowledge that what we saw was not consistent with the values and principles of the policing profession,” they added. “Our goal is to build trust and positive relationships within our communities. Events such as what occurred in Minneapolis, has a negative impact on those positive relationships. We will continue to focus on our communities, and will pledge to strengthen our relationships in the days, weeks and months to come.”
Meanwhile, Geneva City Manager Sage Gerling released a statement around 5 p.m. – asking residents of the city to stay home.
“We, along with communities across the world, are mourning the death of George Floyd and others who have been killed in this country. We understand the fear and anger our community members are experiencing because of these senseless acts,” Gerling said in the statement. “We also understand the need to take action, and we are fully in support of peaceful protests and will work with organizers to safely come together.”
Gerling said in the statement that the Geneva Police Department has received unconfirmed reports that there will be looting and destructive behavior in the Geneva area tonight. “We are aware of the potential situation and have put protocol in place,” she said. “We ask all citizens to stay home indoors and not participate in any action that would cause harm to another human being or property.”
She asked business owners to make sure property is locked.
“We are a community that stands strong together,” Gerling continued. “Thank you for staying home, being safe, and demonstrating our collective respect for our Geneva.”
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