HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/16/2021 Item 7, Hodgens
Wilbanks, Megan
From:Ryan Hodgens <
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Police Use of Tear Gas Comment
SLO city representative,
I have been living in San Luis Obispo since entering into Cal Poly in 2013. I love the town and have found every possible
way to stay, a challenge in an environment not particularly catering to young professionals.
As the world was rocked by the murder of George Floyd, legitimate topics around race and the lack of accountability for
law enforcement officials came into question. It is a tragedy and traumatizing to watch the life of someone be squeezed
out of them for 8 minutes and 46 seconds by someone who's mission, as stated on their vehicle and PD website, is to
protect and serve.
Nearly every country on the planet marched in solidarity. The San Luis Obispo community response was to march in
kind.
What they were met with was an unprecedented use of force on peaceful protestors in San Luis Obispo. The decision to
employ tear gas on citizens who, as all of our greatest heroes in American history have done, were expressing their first
amendment right and calling for our country to do better is unconscionable.
I have never been more disappointed in my community.
I demand accountability for the actions law enforcement have taken in our community. They have disgraced the values
we, as community members, should be holding true. Santa Rosa street is not and should not be treated as a combat
environment.
Ryan
1