Protests have been held across Connecticut in response to a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck for several minutes.
5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes says she has felt this incident on many levels, including as a mother and the wife of a Waterbury Police Detective. Hayes spoke out over the weekend during a Facebook live town hall. She said one of the first things she did was call her son, and for a few seconds it took for him to pick up, Hayes was concerned. Then her husband came home and she could see the anguish in his eyes, because he loves his profession.
She also answered questions and took comments. Hayes noted that it's a difficult conversation, even for Black people. Hayes says what the four Minneapolis officers did, officers all over the country now have to deal with. She says the actions make her husband and others less safe because the level of trust in the community has come down
About 75 people, including Ridgefield Police Chief Jeff Kreitz and First Selectman Rudy Marconi marched down Main Street in solidarity against racism. Many who marched in Ridgefield held signs and chanted. Drivers honked horns as they passed by. The peaceful protest stopped in front of Lounsbury House. Compassionate Ridgefield created a public tribute honoring George Lloyd and Ahmaud Arbery, the black man who was shot and killed while out jogging in Georgia.
Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour have issued a statement about the recent events in Minnesota. They called the actions inexcusable and say officers standing idly by when it happens is equally troubling and unacceptable. The pair acknowledged the pain this and all similar incidents have caused and say police brutality should not be condoned under any circumstance. Danbury Police officials say they cherish the relationship the department enjoys with the entire Danbury community and will never take that relationship for granted. The Chief says the members will do their best to to ensure fair and equitable treatment for all.
Demonstrators rallied in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and other Connecticut cities Friday through Sunday to protest the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer pressed a knee into his neck. There were no reports of violence or major property damage. Protesters closed both sides of I-84 in Waterbury, Interstate -95 in New Haven and several other highways temporarily on Sunday. In Bridgeport, protesters forced the closure of Route 8 for more than three hours by demonstrating on the highway, resulting in two arrests. Governor Ned Lamont wore an “I can’t breathe” T-shirt in a video message supporting peaceful demonstrations.
