Gov. Jared Polis Praises Peaceful Protesters: 'I See You, I Hear You'
DENVER (CBS4) - Gov. Jared Polis addressed the unrest which has gripped downtown Denver since May 28. While the governor says he doesn't plan to attend any of the protests, he does say he supports those who are protesting peacefully.
He says systemic reforms are needed, and he plans to work with activists and lawmakers to develop change. The governor has not laid out any specific plans, however.
The governor says no one is above the law, and justice will be served for George Floyd. Floyd died after Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeled on his neck for several minutes.
"We need to listen to those crying out for reform. We need to take action. And to those peacefully protesting, I want you to know I see you, I hear you and I grieve with you. More importantly I want to work with you to make Colorado better and make America better," Polis said at a scheduled news briefing on Tuesday. "It's about a pattern of injustice. It's about unfair treatment that black Americans and communities of color have endured, not just limited to our criminal justice system."
He also commended those who peacefully protested and helped clean up the mess in the mornings afterward.
This is the first time the governor has spoken publicly about the protests since they began Thursday night.
Asked about the reason for the delay, Polis said, "Over the past few days I've been listening to members of the faith community community leaders members of the Black Caucus, listening to those who have fought these fights for years and have a comprehensive understanding of where we are and where we need to be. I'm excited, of course, to be able to work with people across our entire state.Over the past few days I've been listening to members of the faith community community leaders members of the Black Caucus, listening to those who have fought these fights for years and have a comprehensive understanding of where we are and where we need to be. I'm excited, of course, to be able to work with people across our entire state."