As the nation continues to protest the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department on Memorial Day, local law enforcement has continued to express their outrage, as well as issue calls for unity and change.
On Friday, Lansdale Borough Police Chief Michael Trail issued an official statement condemning the death of Floyd while in police custody.
“Lansdale Police will continue our efforts to earn back the trust of the community, which was lost because of this horrific event, and we send our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Floyd,” said Trail. “I ask members of our community to keep the Floyd family, and our grieving nation, in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult times.”
Following a weekend of widespread protests—some of which resulted in looting and violence—Trail is now calling for an end to the destruction so protestors and law enforcement can begin to work together on finding solutions to the issue of racial injustice.
“This past weekend, our nation saw an outpouring of vigils and marches to mourn Mr. Floyd,” Trail said. “Sadly, we have also been witness to violence across our nation, resulting in the destruction of property, arson, assault, and tragically, further loss of life. This condition must end, in order for us to move forward and begin this most important conversation.”
In the North Penn area, rumors have circulated for days concerning protests making their way to the area, however no quantifiable effort has manifested in recent days. However, an effort to peacefully protest at the intersection of Main and Broad streets at noon on June 20 has been widely circulated on Facebook.
Should the protest occur and remain peaceful, protestors will have found an ally in the Lansdale Borough Police Department.
“Lansdale Police are aware of an interest by community members to mourn George Floyd in the coming weeks, and compel real change on racial injustices which continue in our nation,” said Trail. “Lansdale Police will work with the various community groups, civic organizations and religious institutions to ensure these types of events are peaceful, but most importantly, productive, as I believe it is time to end idle talk and move towards solutions.”
Trail added that he believes it is time to come together as a community, identify what is needed to bring on effective change and work together to achieve that goal.
“We want to work with our community as we move through this period of self-reflection, in how we can better perform our role in the community through collaboration and cooperation, versus division and suspicion,” Trail said.
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Improving Lansdale Police Department Through Body Cameras
Lansdale Police Chief Issues Statement Condemning The Death Of George Floyd
Local Law Enforcement, School Board Issue Statements On Death Of George Floyd
Pennsylvania Governor Issues Disaster Declaration As Protests Erupt Over The Weekend
Lansdale Council Unanimously Approves Human Relations Ordinance
