North Andover Officials Release Statement On George Floyd's Death

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — North Andover officials released a statement Wednesday on the death of George Floyd. The Board of Selectmen voted to approve the statement Monday and issued it alongside Town Manager Melissa Murphy-Rodrigues.

The officials condemned Floyd's death in Minneapolis police custody and pledged to listen to the community.

"We all saw the senseless and inhumane murder of another African-American man on an American street," the statement reads. "We have seen long simmering frustrations boil over into riots and destruction. Destruction of property, destruction of spirit, destruction of relationships, destruction of respect."

The statement does not discuss specific actions, but residents are encouraged to email selectmen@northandoverma.gov.

"We see your frustration, fear, and at times anger," it continues. "We appreciate that we can never truly understand the experiences faced by some in our society. But we will listen and support the difficult conversations that need to be had in order for us all to recognize where we are, and where we need to go."

The full statement is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.