HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/2/2020 Item Public Comment, CorbettDear Council Members,
I am a SLO county resident of 15 years and a veteran. I'm writing to voice my concern for how police handled the protest yesterday, June 1st. Not only do I worry about the safety of
citizens, but also of our police officers, and I believe the actions taken yesterday put both at risk and at the very least created division in our community.
Specifically:
1. Showing up in riot gear immediately escalated the scene.
2. The sheer number of police officers in such a small town was excessive.
3. Witnesses report, and videos confirm, police began putting on gas masks while the scenario was still peaceful. This gives the impression that the decision to use tear gas had been
made prior to knowing it was actually needed.
4. Water bottle-throwing should not be met with tear gas and rubber bullets.
5. Using tear gas during a pandemic of respiratory disease is grossly negligent.
Please show up for the community in a peaceful manner and do not perpetuate the mistrust of police that plagues our nation right now. We can do better. We should do better. Citizens
are watching, and we do not like what we see.
Sincerely,
Julia Corbett
USAF Veteran