Posted on July 3, 2020 at 9:05 PM by Nicole Bernstein
There were no council meetings this week as the first week of the month. It was a challenging week for our community. A peaceful children’s protest on Sunday night was disrupted and endangered when a car struck Isiah Wagoner, a leader of Black Unity, as he was trying to ensure safe passage for the marchers.
In a climate in which distrust of the police and of government in general is deep and broad, this incident reinforces the worst fears, repeated traumas and anger of many in our community. Police are walking a deliberative legal line to investigate the incident fully before turning over their collected evidence to the District Attorney who is empowered to press charges. There is anger that the driver was questioned and released, rather than held; there is deep lack of trust that the investigation will lead to charges.
I want to reiterate that our community does not and will not tolerate violent acts of hate or bias and we are committed to protecting people’s rights to have their voices heard as we work together to address racial injustice. Like all members of the public, I am impatient for more information and insights about this event. I will be staying in close touch with EPD as they proceed with this investigation. We understand the deep concerns embedded in such an incident and will make sure the public is kept apprised of what is happening to address it.