KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — US. Representative Fred Upton has released a statement regarding Monday night protests that turned violent in Downtown Kalamazoo.
Earlier protests in the day made against the death of George Floyd were peaceful, with protesters laying face-down in a silent prayer.
Police in Kalamazoo say that protests started becoming unruly later that night, with many businesses being vandalized or damaged. As a result, the City of Kalamazoo is on an emergency curfew starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday night.
In a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, Upton released the following statement, which can be viewed in full below:
“We know that Kalamazoo and the people of this extraordinary community have a proud, wonderful history of diversity in every respect, which I’ve always viewed as a strength. We should heed the advice of George Floyd’s brother to end the chaos and to respond to this latest case of police brutality in a constructive way. Accountability is the key ingredient for us all to be judged on our actions. We must respect and encourage peaceful protests.
My friend Rep. John Lewis recently said, “I know your pain, your rage, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote. Be constructive, not destructive.”
Outside agitators are a destructive force for much-needed constructive change. Violence and vandalism set us back, not forward.
I spoke this morning to a number of community leaders and law enforcement, and we will continue to maintain regular contact as we move forward.
All our hearts remain with George Floyd’s family as we continue to grieve.”
Reports also add that volunteers were seen in Downtown Kalamazoo cleaning up the aftermath of the vandalism Tuesday morning.
