Statement Regarding Police Presence at Protests in Bridgeport

People are protesting in Bridgeport following the killing by Minneapolis police of George Floyd. The following is a reaction from David McGuire, executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut:

“People are in the streets demanding racial justice and an end to police violence. The protests happening in Bridgeport and elsewhere are a direct response to the violence that police perpetuate in Black communities across the country, including in Black and Latinx communities in Bridgeport and across Connecticut.

Protesting for justice for all people killed and hurt by police is essential. People have the right to protest the police. The problem is not the response to police violence. The problem is police violence, including the systemic racism that gives police violence its roots. We call on police in Bridgeport and elsewhere to comply with the law and public safety by respecting people’s rights to peacefully protest. We are hearing reports that police in Bridgeport are using chemical agents and riot gear, and we warn the Bridgeport police to immediately stop putting people in danger with their escalation. We are closely watching, and to those protesting, we are with you.”