State leaders join in protest of racial injustice
Posted on Jun 26, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured
Protesters demonstrate at the state Capitol after the killing of George Floyd. Photo credit: James Gonser
The image of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on the neck of George Floyd while he gasped, “I can’t breathe” was horrific enough. But for many — including Governor Ige, the state’s four mayors and others — President Donald Trump’s calls for military action in response to the peaceful protests that followed were “extremely disappointing” at a time when unity, not divisiveness, was needed.
The state’s leaders said, “We join in mourning the tragic death of George Floyd and send our aloha to his family and friends. We understand the sadness, disappointment, anger and fear that so many across our nation live with daily. And we stand with those peacefully protesting long-standing injustices. Diversity is highly valued in Hawai‘i, and we believe our residents can show the world how we live together respectfully.”