Politics

Mass. legislators and officials react to Boston protests over death of George Floyd

"It’s important that we separate the march from the incidents that took place after the program ended," Boston City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George said.

By Christopher Gavin

June 1, 2020

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U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley

“People are gutted. They are exhausted. And they are peacefully protesting and demonstrating, of course, for justice for George Floyd, but (also) on the broader issue of police brutality and really social justice at large,” Pressley said during an interview on WGBH’s “Boston Public Radio” Monday. “And I would just like to make this one (point) that community organizers are community builders. They are not destroyers, and it is deeply painful that there are forces at work to infiltrate and undermine the good work, the vigilant work, of people who are committed to peace and justice in earnest, despite how slow coming that has been.”

Boston, I see you and I love you. We will center Black voices & our movements will not be co opted. Let us be led by the young folx, guided by our ancestors, clear in our focus, and resolved in the pursuit of racial justice. pic.twitter.com/ZZl10j0HYi

— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) June 1, 2020

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren

We need to ask ourselves what we are doing proactively to dismantle systemic racism in our communities, our workplaces, and our circles of influence. It’s not enough to stand as an ally. We must be anti-racist.

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) June 1, 2020

If you’re able, donate to these organizations as they continue to fight for racial justice in America. This is a small first step, but every action we take adds up, and our response to this moment will shape our future. https://t.co/F1LDwGOOgW

— Elizabeth Warren (@ewarren) June 1, 2020

Mass. Attorney General Maura Healey

Thank you to the @bostonpolice and other law enforcement for protecting the protest. Proud of our city.

I know this—the violent, the looters, the instigators that seek to interfere with this movement will not be successful.

— AG Maura Healey Archived (@AGHealeyArchive) June 1, 2020

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh

I see you. I hear you. I will use my voice for you.

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 1, 2020

I want to thank the officers of the Boston Police Department and all of the public safety agencies for their professionalism tonight. They are working hard, as they always do, to keep our city safe and treat our residents with respect.

— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 1, 2020

Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty

https://twitter.com/mfflaherty/status/1267487141044592640

Boston City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George

Last night, I attended a BLM protest that began and ended peacefully. It was moving to be with thousands of Bostonians to address the national crisis of police brutality & racism, esp. because it was organized by youth. 1/3 #mapoli #bospoli pic.twitter.com/cD8Kgl0ZRC

— Annissa Essaibi George (@AnnissaForBos) June 1, 2020

Above all, it’s important that we continue to come together and stand up for racial justice.

I’m having internal conversations with my team today to consider our next steps to be most effective for the movement to end racism and police brutality. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/6OIn2iOBq7

— Annissa Essaibi George (@AnnissaForBos) June 1, 2020

Boston District 6 City Councilor Matt O’Malley

To every person of color who feels worried, depressed, anxious, fed up, or just exhausted: I can’t say I understand what you’re feeling (because obviously I can’t); but I will listen, learn from, & support you. Through policy & practice, I’ll work to get others to as well.
(1/3)

— Matt O’Malley (@MattOMalley) June 1, 2020

We need to prove that #BlackLivesMatter by addressing inequities in criminal justice, economics, housing, and healthcare systems.

We need to demonstrate that #BlackLivesMatter when we shop. When we advocate. When we vote. When we speak. When we think. And when we act.

(3/3)

— Matt O’Malley (@MattOMalley) June 1, 2020

1st Suffolk District state Sen. Nick Collins

I support the rights of citizens to peacefully protest and I share their outrage. I also condemn the acts of violence, vandalism and theft committed by lawless chaos seekers.

— Nick Collins (@nickcollinsma) June 1, 2020

By coming together, listening to one another, seeing one another, hearing one another, and recommitting ourselves to anti-racist policies we will start the long process of healing as a community.

— Nick Collins (@nickcollinsma) June 1, 2020

2nd Suffolk District state Sen. Sonia Chang-Díaz

Protesters chant “Show you care” outside the State House at #BLM protest tonight. Will we, #mapoli? pic.twitter.com/BnD14Dk5PY

— Sonia Chang-Díaz (@SoniaChangDiaz) June 1, 2020

3rd Suffolk District state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz

I will do my best to honor that movement and recommit myself to do more….as we all should do.

We all must do more. (2/4)

— Aaron Michlewitz (@RepMichlewitz) June 1, 2020

https://twitter.com/RepMichlewitz/status/1267442273253457922