Acton Officials Denounce George Floyd Killing

ACTON, MA — Acton officials are joining a choir of officials across the country in denouncing the death of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. Floyd was the Minneapolis man whose death was caught on video, as a Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck. The viral video has sparked protests and a call for change and an end to police brutality throughout the country.

Acton Town Manager John S. Mangiaratti, and Police Chief Richard Burrows and Boxborough Town Administrator Ryan Ferrara and Police Chief Warren B. Ryder released a statement on Tuesday denouncing the killing and the actions of the Minneapolis police officers.

"The tragic death of George Floyd creates justifiable fear and anger within communities throughout the country. We are angry as well as the actions and inactions last week by Minneapolis police officers were horrible and certainly are not how police officers are trained to handle any situation. Police officers are trained to safeguard human life first, above all else. We acknowledge that unfair treatment of people based on their race is a problem still present in our communities and in the criminal justice system, and this is unacceptable. We cannot be silent on this issue," the statement reads.

Acton officials said they are working to be part of a positive change in the community and the country. The statement ended with officials giving support to peaceful protesters across the country and reassuring residents that Acton police officers are committed to professional conduct.

"We plan on continuing to take steps in our communities that will create lasting change. The members of our police departments remain committed to professional conduct, democratic and legitimate policing and procedural justice for all people." The statement reads.