State officials are outlining their response to this weekend’s violence. In a press conference Monday, Governor Holcomb said protests started out as an “understandable and needed” response to the death of George Floyd, but took on a tone of organized crime.
“We are seeing those peaceful demonstrations get hijacked by those who have only one goal in mind, and that is to create chaos and destruction in their path,” Holcomb said. “And they will move on, town to town, city to city, state to state.”
Now, Holcomb said the Indiana National Guard and State Police are ready to help local communities wherever they’re needed. State Police Superintendent Doug Carter said he’s deploying all available assets. “Hundreds of troopers, our aircraft, special operations personnel have been deployed to cities like Hobart, Merrillville, Michigan City, LaPorte, South Bend,” Carter said. He also listed several other cities and added that a few rural areas may have a State Police presence, as well.
Carter asked Hoosiers not to blame front-line law enforcement officers but to hold leaders in the profession like him accountable. “We are human beings just like you, and the death of George Floyd is a stern reminder that we and what I represent have much left to do,” Carter said. “I’ll start with an ‘I’m sorry.’”
Governor Holcomb discussed the need for “systemic progress” on topics like criminal justice reform, policing standards, and race relations going forward. “Indiana seeks to be a leader on this front, not just with more talks or town halls but, more importantly, in our actions, in our agenda revolving around inequity and disparity at the city, state, and national levels,” Holcomb said.
He also called on Hoosiers to commit to making sure that what happened to Floyd never happens again and that those responsible for his death are held accountable.
