Waltham Police Chief Speaks Out Against Death Of George Floyd

WALTHAM, MA — The Waltham Police chief is joining several other police departments across the commonwealth in speaking out against the actions of the Minneapolis police officers involved in the death of George Floyd. Video of the officers arresting Floyd has gone viral and shows one officer kneeling on Floyd's neck as he asks him to stop, saying he can't breathe. Floyd died in police custody last week.

Chief Keith MacPherson issued a statement on May 29 on its Facebook page about "egregious actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department." The chief said his department is committed to "professionalism, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people."

Read the full statement:

"The Waltham Police Department denounces the egregious actions taken by four members of the Minneapolis Police Department, whether by action or inaction, that resulted in the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.

"We currently enjoy a great rapport with the Waltham community at large. The Waltham Police Department is dedicated to community policing and community collaboration. We remain committed to professionalism, democratic policing and procedural justice for all people."

On May 28, several departments across the state spoke out against the Minneapolis officers, including Boston Police Commissioner William Gross, who called Floyd's death "a damned shame."

Read more: Boston Protest Damage: Cleanup Begins [Photos]

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).Have a press release you'd like posted on the Waltham Patch? Here's how to post a press release, opinion piece.