George Floyd Killing 'Deplorable, Irresponsible': Bergen Sheriff

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Sheriff Anthony Cureton added his name to the list of law enforcement officials to condemn the police killing of George Floyd.

"The incident in Minneapolis involving Mr. Floyd's death is deplorable, irresponsible and beyond any training offered by any law enforcement agency. The actions taken cannot be condoned and we in law enforcement have to ensure there is accountability for actions not consistent with the oath of office we took to serve the people," he wrote.

Floyd, 46, died Monday in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after being arrested; a video that has been seen countless times shows a police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck, and Floyd saying he cannot breathe.

Outside a group of progressive law enforcement agencies and officials like the Ethical Society of Police, it's unusual for condemnation to come from within the law enforcement community. However, Floyd's death has proven to buck that trend, as police officials across the country have voiced frustration, anger and concern regarding the actions of Minneapolis Police Officer Derek Chauvin, who was recorded kneeling on Floyd's neck.

On Friday afternoon, it was reported that Chauvin has been arrested by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The three other officers involved in the incident have not been arrested, according to MinnPost reporter Peter Callaghan.

Read more: Minnesota Police Chiefs Comment On Death Of George Floyd

"In my 30 years in law enforcement, I can honestly say 99% of officers do the job because of passion with respect for the badge. However, that 1% who overstep the tenet of the occupation, leaves a scar that overshadows the 99%, and results in wounds that are difficult to heal," wrote Cureton.

Cureton was sworn in as Sheriff in 2018, becoming Bergen County's first black sheriff after 25 years with the Englewood Police Department. He also served as the Bergen County NAACP's Branch President.

He replaced Michael Saudino after audio was published by WNYC in which the now-disgraced sheriff made racist remarks.

Read his full statement below:

Floyd's death has led to days of protests in the Twin Cities and across the country in cities like New York, Denver and Los Angeles.

A protest has been scheduled in Newark for Saturday, May 30. The People's Organization for Progress (POP) said its members will gather at 12:45 p.m. at the Lincoln Monument, 12 Springfield Avenue. The protest will begin at 1 p.m.

Read more: Newark Residents Will Protest 'Police Killing Of George Floyd'

In addition to law enforcement officials, New Jersey politicians have also been speaking out on the events in Minneapolis.

Sen. Cory Booker said, in a tweet, that Floyd should still be alive, and the officers involved need to be brought to justice.

Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly of New Jersey's 35th Legislative District also issued a statement:

"We find ourselves here again. Another tragic and preventable loss of the life of an African American male has the nation spinning over the lack of compassion shown and justice unserved," he said. "Hearts are breaking in all communities as we can’t begin to un-see what we have seen in recent videos and news reports."

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina stressed the importance of community trust in the wake

"George Floyd's death in Minneapolis is deeply troubling and indefensible, the video revealing a startling lack of humanity by the police officers involved," Coffina said. "The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation, and rightly so."

Teaneck Township Manager Dean Kazinci published a statement on Friday afternoon stating his belief in the Teaneck force, but doubling down on the idea that bad actors will not be tolerated.

"Although the tragedy in Minneapolis, Minnesota occurred hundreds of miles away, the impact is felt all over the nation and world, especially in the African American community. As a previous member of the law enforcement community, I know that those in this profession, especially our brave men and women at the Teaneck Police Department, work earnestly to serve our community with fairness and sincerity. However, we cannot permit or accept those who stain the profession and promote distrust amongst our communities. This type of conduct will not be tolerated," he said.