For Immediate Release
Ives Statement on Riots in Chicago
May 31, 2020 –This weekend, riots broke out in most of our major cities – including Chicago – in response to the apparent murder of George Floyd. Jeanne Ives, a candidate for Congress (IL-06), release the following statement:
“There is no reason for Mr. Floyd to be dead. None. Four policemen. One suspect. A suspected non-violent crime. No weapon present. The police involved were inept and cruel and cowards. This is obviously a crime and anyone who saw the video clearly saw a man pleading to breathe and the policeman crushing him instead. I understand the anger over this. I am angry about it.
“In response to Mr. Floyd’s death, violence, arson and theft has erupted in our major cities. These are criminal acts, in some cases perpetrated by opportunistic violent people outside of the community. Those who commit these crimes must be prosecuted. Lawlessness of any sort cannot be tolerated. The riots represent a failure of leadership to prevent serious wrong-doing. Despite the show of force by the Chicago Police Department, police cars were burned and smashed, and unbelievably, some Chicago police officers were dragged down the street by rioters. These actions show how little control elected leaders have over their city.
“Our leaders must take control of the situation at hand. In the long run, it is also imperative to re-evaluate the policies that have led Chicago to this moment. If we are ever to heal and move forward, it will require leaders to work across the aisle, across the city and across the nation to rebuild trust that has been destroyed. Most of all, it will require consistent principles and the moral strength to uphold and apply the law and public policies equally in all situations.
“Saturday was a day of contrasts in America. As Americans soared into space, showcasing our country’s great achievements in technology, science, and business, other Americans escalated peaceful protests over an unjust death to violence and anarchy. Our future lies in supporting the former and abolishing the latter.”
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For more information or to book Jeanne Ives contact Kathleen Murphy at 630-329-4680 or kathleenemurphy26@gmail.com.
