Rise In Vandalism Prompts Princeton Police To Increase Presence

PRINCETON, NJ — Due to a recent rise in vandalism in Princeton, police have begun to increase their presence in town as people across the country protest the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

"The Princeton Police encourage our citizen's right to assemble for the purpose of conducting peaceful protests. However, in response to the growing number of violent incidents in cities and communities worldwide, we wanted to inform our community that we will be increasing our visibility and presence in town, especially in the Princeton Shopping Center and the Central Business District areas," said Princeton Police Chief Nick Sutter.

Police are hoping that their increased presence will allow those who wish to peacefully protest are safe and protected from harm and to deter others from vandalizing small businesses.

"Although we do not expect any problems to occur, we need to remain vigilant and be prepared in the event that things don't go as planned. Over the years, the Princeton Police have worked hard to build partnerships with this community and its leaders and we need your support now as always," Sutter said.

The protests across the country and in Princeton were prompted when Floyd, 46, was killed after then Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Video, which captured Floyd saying "I can't breathe," went viral, and sparked the nationwide protests.

A peaceful protest was held in Princeton on Sunday where Princeton Police Officer Courtney Navas stood in solidarity with protesters on Nassau Street. Read More: Princeton Police Stand With Protesters Over George Floyd's Death

"We are angered and deeply saddened by the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. They join the appallingly long list of African Americans who have been killed because they were black. The pain of these killings is intensified by the disproportionate impact of the COVID pandemic on black people in the United States. It is once again apparent that so much more work is needed for equitable treatment and justice for African Americans and other People of Color around the country and here in Princeton," the Princeton Mayor and Council stated.

Sutter also previously released a statement condemning the actions of the officers involved in the death of Floyd.

Watch Sutter's statement in the video below:

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