Last night, my deputies and I were on duty at the Hennepin County Government Center when a group of demonstrators took a knee and held a minute-long moment of silence for George Floyd. It was a very powerful moment. These protestors, though upset, were peaceful and respectful.
Sadly, our great community suffered a tremendous amount of property damage when some people turned a righteous display of anger into a criminal display of bad behavior. This must stop. People should voice their outrage without harming the property and livelihoods of people who are already struggling to get by in an extraordinarily challenging time.
As the elected Sheriff of Hennepin County, I know how important it is to reflect the values of the community we all serve. The mission of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is “Serving and protecting all in our community by furthering equal justice, safety, and wellness.” Our job is to care for and protect the people in our community, no matter what they look like, where they come from, or their status in life. By following our mission, we will honor the memory of George Floyd.
– Sheriff David Hutchinson