City of Amarillo Responds To This Past Weekend’s Protests

For the last several days and nights, protests have continued across the country concerning the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you are unfamiliar with the story surrounding Mr. Floyd's death, I encourage you to spend some time looking at the news stories and facts that can be easily found online. Unfortunately, the protests that were supposed to spark change and discussion, have turned violent. Not all, but too many have. All across the country there has been attacks on human life, vandalism, property burned, and looting.

Fortunately, for the residents of Amarillo, our protests have remained peaceful and are staying true to the vision of these events. Amarillo is a strong, but level-headed community, and hopefully the protests evoke the change they are hoping to cause and stay calm. We can not control what others may do when they enter our city, but I know first hand that all our citizens won't stand for violence and destruction.

The City of Amarillo released a statement late Monday afternoon addressing the events over the past weekend both here in Amarillo and nationwide. As the letter states, hundreds of protesters stood up and peacefully walked the streets of Amarillo this past weekend. The city says they are proud of it's residents for showing the nation what a safe, effective, meaningful assembly means. The demonstrators showed compassion and lifted their voices in a manner that everyone can be proud of. The city goes on to say that they are proud of the Amarillo Police Department officers who stood next to the demonstrators and protected the right and property of everyone. Their tact, poise, and professionalism ensured that the message of the demonstrators rang loud and clear and without distraction.

The letter goes on to say that it is the responsibility of city leadership to make our community one that is safe, inclusive, and caring of everyone, especially in these trying times. Amarillo will not tolerate anything but a safe and inclusive city for people from all
backgrounds. The city asks everyone to help overcome the many pressures across our country to divide us and choose with us to walk in unity regardless of our individual differences. The letter is signed by Mayor Ginger Nelson, Councilmember Elaine Hays, Freda Powell, Eddy Sauer, Howard Smith, City Manager Jared Miller, Deputy City Manager Kevin Starbuck, Assistant City Manager Floyd Hartman, and Laura Storrs.