West Haven Police Issue Statement On Death Of George Floyd

WEST HAVEN, CT — In a statement to the community, the West Haven Police Department condemned the actions of the police officers involved with the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Floyd's killing has sparked protests in Connecticut and across the country. The protests in Connecticut have largely been peaceful, garnering praise from Gov. Ned Lamont.

Floyd, who was unarmed and under arrest on suspicion of passing counterfeit money, was filmed May 25 as Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin placed a knee on his neck for nine minutes while ignoring his pleas for air.

Three other Minneapolis officers witnessed Chauvin's actions, but didn't intervene. All four officers involved in Floyd's death have been fired and Chauvin was originally charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with Floyd's death.

However, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison plans to elevate the charges against Chauvin to second-degree murder and will also charge the other three officers connected to Floyd's death, according to a tweet by Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar.

West Haven police issued the following statement Wednesday to the community on behalf of Chief Joseph Perno and all the members of the West Haven Police Department:

Last week an extremely troubling and disturbing video was released that depicted the actions of several Minneapolis police officers that resulted in the death of George Floyd. Those officers’ actions, individually and collectively, were reprehensible and demonstrated a level of illegality, inhumanity and depravity that is unacceptable on any level.

Let it be known – that the men and women of the West Haven Police Department wholeheartedly condemn the actions of the four police officers who were involved in the mistreatment and death of George Floyd.

The West Haven Police Department has worked tirelessly to foster and build a partnership with our community and will continue to do so in a professional, ethical and moral way. We must not let the actions of those four officers define who we are! We must not let this horrific tragedy ruin the trust that has been built within our community.

In light of the upcoming protest, the West Haven Police Department’s main role is to ensure the safety of the protesters and the general public during this event. We stand in solidarity with the community and support the protesters right to a peaceful assembly.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family of George Floyd. The men and women of the West Haven Police Department look forward to being a part of the change for the betterment of our community as well as our nation.