The Central Committee of Allen County’s Democratic Party issued a statement addressing what it calls “an aggressive and excessive response” to peaceful demonstrations that turned violent in downtown Fort Wayne on May 29 and 30.
In a statement, the committee says video accounts from both demonstrators and the City of Fort Wayne itself show that the “exorbitant militarized response did not protect the public but put them in direct danger,” calling the use of tear gas on residents a “travesty.” Members also took exception to extend the stays of misdemeanor offenders in the midst of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
It is a notable break from Fort Wayne's Democratic Mayor Tom Henry, who has expressed support for the decisions made by the police on those evenings.
The committee also acknowledges that last Thursday’s “unity march” between some organizers, local officials and the police department was “an effort,” but noted the lack of dropped charges against the arrested and a public apology made the event “an empty gesture.”
In order to begin the healing process, the committee is proposing the following six steps:
- Drop charges against those arrested.
- Tear gas use is banned.
- Reimburse all citizens who have medical bills as a result of the excessive force.
- Police policy changes regarding mediation and de-escalation training with hard deadlines for implementation.
- Improved training and tactics based explicitly around the de-escalation of high-stress situations. This program must have complete transparency and 3rd party oversight.
- Accountability policy regarding police officer’s use of force to include the creation of a Civilian Review Board.
The letter concluded by saying, “All lives matter when black and brown lives matter.”
