Written by Nicholas Vetrisek
Over the last few days, Senate Republican Leader Shannon Grove released two statements in response to the tragic death of George Floyd and the violent protests across the nation that have followed. First, Grove explained the severe injustice of Floyd’s death and the need to prosecute the officers involved in the incident.
“The actions of these officers are egregious and completely unacceptable and my heart goes out to George Floyd’s family,” said Grove. “I am a supporter of law enforcement, but these officers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we must restore order to ensure the safety of our communities.”
This is a perspective that everyone should be able to get behind, as it recognizes the importance of law enforcement, and the need to hold officers accountable for their actions—especially when the consequence is the death of an innocent man. However, the violent riots, arson, looting, and utter destruction of businesses and communities is unacceptable and must be condemned.
“Americans have the right to protest and peacefully assemble, but the behavior the nation saw last night is unacceptable,” said Grove. “Today our state and country woke up with a mixture of emotions. We feel sadness and grief for George Floyd’s family, and we feel anger and frustration with those who would use a tragic event to vandalize, loot, and destroy communities.”
This is a devastating time for all Americans. Between the COVID-19 health crisis, the financial shutdowns, the grotesque murder of George Floyd, and now the violent riots, emotions are clearly running high. The need for justice and unity is as clear as ever, but that can’t happen when communities are being burned to the ground.
“Fighting for justice can affect change, but destroying communities, committing crimes, and inciting violence is not a sustainable way to address these problems,” Grove concluded. “This violent chaos needs to end.”
