Missouri governor thanks citizens for a peaceful night of protests on Tuesday
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
As demonstrations continue across the state and country after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis, Gov. Mike Parson thanked citizens for a peaceful night in Missouri on Tuesday.
Parson has said several times the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis was unacceptable. He also condemned the violence against police on Monday night, after four officers were shot in St. Louis, and one retired officer was shot and killed.
Parson said Wednesday over 1,000 national guard troops are currently boot on the ground. He said they are assisting local law enforcement agencies to ensure the protests remain peaceful.
"The (National) Guard's presence means more law enforcement officers are available to protests and any potential criminal activities," Parson said.
He said by Thursday or Friday, it's possible about 1,500 to 2,000 Troops will be either on the ground or being activated. These troops are mobile, and Parson said they can go wherever they are needed.
"I can't emphasize enough how important it is to make a plan in place for legal protesters and to separate those from the criminals that are out there committing crime," Parson said.
While the governor is trying to curb the violence in the state, he said he is also looking forward to long term systematic change.
He met with activists in St. Louis on Tuesday to start the conversation about what changes they believe need to be made on a state and local level.
Parson said he met with Columbia officials, clergy and education leaders in Columbia on Wednesday to start the same conversations.
The conversation covered several topics including COVID-19 testing, the economy, the state budget picture and demonstrations over the death of George Floyd.
"What are we going to do in the future to change the system," Parson said. "I think that's why it's important for us to be having these conversations.. that's who it's important to meet with the African American community right and not only say yes we know there's a problem but what are we going to do for the end game."
