Protests are being held across the nation seeking justice for George Floyd, a black man who was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. In some states, protests have erupted in riots. C. J. Lawrence is an Attorney and CEO of Black with No Chaser, a Jackson based media outlet focusing on social advocacy. Lawrence says he is supportive of the riots in other states. He says “Derek Chauvin, the officer who had his knee on George Floyd’s neck was not brought into police custody until Presict 3 burned to the ground. But it’s not the only thing that’s happening and all of it honestly is necessary to move the needle.”
Governor Tate Reeves says peaceful protests are welcome in the state, but warns against the violence seen in others. He says any riot or violent protest in Mississippi will be stopped. At his daily press briefing, Reeves said “There is no place for the anarchist and there is no place for the antagonist here in Mississippi. Any efforts to do so will be overwhelmed. I am not threatening. I am promising that the full force of our state will be ready and willing to defend our communities.”
C. J. Lawrence says there are many peaceful protests happening across the nation. He says the riots are just one piece of the larger movement for change, but its the most visible. Lawrence says “In many ways, what is taking place right now is one form of that outcry. There are many things that have to happen in order to get people to respond. And when they don’t respond in one manor, approaches have to be adjusted.”
Governor Reeves says that he respects people's First Ammendment right to protest. He says there is a difference between protesting to air grievances and those committed to violence.
“You have a right to protest, you do not have a right to riot. You do not have a right to burn things down," says Reeves. "You do not have a right to throw rocks through windows. And the vast majority of Mississippians, and I would say all Mississippians understand that. We don’t want to tear down our communities.”
The Governor is also asking organizers of protests in Mississippi to consider the health risks as the state continues to fight against the spread of the Coronavirus.
