Sioux Falls mayor, police chief release statements in response to George Floyd death, Minneapolis protests

Sioux Falls' mayor and police chief say the city's police force is properly trained and fully supports citizens' rights, the leaders said in statements released Friday in response to the death of George Floyd and ongoing protests in Minneapolis. 

Protests have continued in Minneapolis this week after Floyd died in police custody Monday after a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, held his knee to Floyd's neck during an arrest. Chauvin was arrested for Floyd's death Friday morning. 

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken said he was "shocked" and "saddened" by Floyd's death, and said the city will "continue to provide (Sioux Falls police) with proper training" to "protect our community." 

Sioux Falls Police Chief Matt Burns said he was "deeply saddened" by what happened in Minneapolis, and said the department here is going to "continue to make" training on due process and proper arrest protocols a priority.

Protesters in Minneapolis have set fire to buildings, including the police department's third precinct, and looted businesses. Peaceful protests happened earlier in other parts of the city. 

Sioux Falls Police are aware of a peaceful protest planned here on Sunday, spokesman Sam Clemens said at a daily police briefing on Friday. 

"Obviously, people can gather. People can protest. That’s a Constitutional right," he said. "We’re not here to interfere with that."

TenHaken's full statement: 

“Like many, I was shocked by the video footage and saddened by the death of Mr. Floyd. While outrage is understandable, peaceful protest and constructive dialogue is the best path forward for reform. I am thankful the Department of Justice is making this case a priority as we wait for the results of the investigation. Sioux Falls is fortunate to have an incredible police department. We will continue to provide them with proper training and resources to protect our community with professionalism and respect that preserves our rights and liberties.”

Burns' full statement: 

“As we watch the situation in Minneapolis unfold, we are deeply saddened by what has happened, on numerous levels. Our officers are regularly trained on safe, respectful due process and proper arrest protocols, and we continue to make that training a priority. We also fully support and will protect every citizen’s right to peacefully protest and assert their Constitutional rights. We remain vigilant and focused on effectively serving the public safety needs of Sioux Falls.”

Email reporter Danielle Ferguson at dbferguson@argusleader.com, or follow on Twitter at @DaniFergs.