FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 1, 2020
Contact: Jordan Redell
(802) 503-7664
Statement from Mayor Miro Weinberger in Response to Protest at Battery Park
Burlington, VT – Mayor Weinberger released the following statement regarding the protest at Battery Park:
“As Mayor, the safety of Burlingtonians is my top responsibility.
“I am concerned about the safety of the protestors who have demonstrated in Battery Park for the last week since the shooting of Jacob Blake. I applaud the work of the Burlington Police Officers who investigated Jordan Atwood for repeatedly approaching the demonstrators in Battery Park while brandishing an assault-style rifle, and arrested him for violating conditions of a prior criminal release.
“I am also concerned for the safety of the police and the general public after a rock was thrown at one of our officers last night, and the passage of emergency vehicles was temporarily blocked. I strongly urge all demonstrators to avoid a repeat of these public safety violations.
“Further, if the demonstrators wish to continue protest in the street, I urge them to coordinate such actions with the City so that their safety, and the safety of the public, can be assured.
“I respect and support the first amendment rights of the protestors, have met twice with a group of organizers, and share their sense that we must dismantle systemic racism in this country and this community, and in policing. The City is working hard on many fronts to achieve that goal, and I intend to keep talking with these organizers to find areas of consensus and potential progress.”
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