Statement from Mayor Lovely Warren Regarding Events This Past Weekend
“The only way violence ends is when people have hope and a path to a better future. Thousands of people continue to raise their voices and lift Rochester up by addressing the inequities and racism throughout our community and our nation. My mentor David Gantt spent his life and career sacrificing for those who needed a hand-up. Now, our RASE commission will amplify and continue these efforts. This weekend’s violence shows that this work is more crucial than ever.
We must instill the belief that life is sacred and everyone should believe in their own potential more than power of a gun. We must also demand that each of us act with dignity and respect for ourselves and our neighbors. I am thankful for the continued work of our police department to take guns off of our streets and to bring those who commit violence to justice. I am also grateful that the officer who was injured this weekend is recovering well.
Sadly, what Rochester is experiencing is not unique among cities throughout our country. The combination of the pandemic, our economic struggles and anger over injustice has caused violence across our nation. Now, it is on all of us to respond not in fear, but with hope. I encourage everyone to reach out to their neighbors, show strength through kindness and commit ourselves to building Rochester up by doing the right thing.”