Baker Condemns Trump, Calls For More Police Accountability
BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday to expect proposals from his administration to improve transparency and accountability in policing, following the weekend's protests over police brutality and the killing of George Floyd.
"The murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police was a horrible tragedy, one of countless tragedies to befall people of color across the United States," Baker said.
Floyd was killed by a now-former Minneapolis police officer who put his knee on Floyd's neck for nine minutes while Floyd repeatedly said he couldn't breath. The officer has since been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.
Protests in response to Floyd's death have spread across the country in the days since, with some turning chaotic over the weekend with vandalism, looting, and police attacking protesters and press.
Photos: Boston Protest Damage: Cleanup Begins
Baker swiped at President Trump, who earlier Monday told the country's governors to "dominate" protests.
"I know I should be surprised when I hear incendiary words from him, but I'm not," Baker said. "So many times during these past several weeks when the country needed compassion and leadership the most it was simply nowhere to be found. Instead, we got bitterness, combativeness and self-interest.
"That's not what we need in Boston," said Baker, choking up. "It's not what we need right now in Massachusetts, and it's definitely not what we need across this great country of ours, either."
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Trump was not Baker's only target, however.
"To the criminal and cowards that tarnished that night's peaceful protest, I expect your day in court will come soon," Baker said. "The destruction of property, the looting, the attempts to injure law enforcement are unacceptable."
Tens of thousands attended protests across Boston, Sunday, before rioting began in the evening. Protesters and some reporters said the rioting was provoked by police.
Asked about having called in the National Guard Sunday and about potentially moving Boston's curfew earlier, Baker said he has deferred to local officials on responding to the protests, and will continue to do so. Boston has a 9 p.m. curfew in an attempt to control the coronavirus.
Baker mostly focused on the impact of racism and steps he said should be taken to combat it.
"I want to thank everyone who marched and exercised their right to free speech safely last night," he said, noting protesters' use of masks and social distancing as part of attempts to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
"They're all unacceptable, every incidence of discrimination, every attempt to use race as a tool or a weapon, every offhand slander among community members or in a workplace," Baker said. "But injustice at the hands of a public institution that's supposed to be rooting this out, that can often be the most despicable act of all."
Baker did not make any specific proposals but said the public can expect a proposal "some time soon."
"We must find ways to enhance transparency and accountability in the law enforcement and criminal justice systems," Baker said. "Without it, bad actors will continue to smear those who do the right thing every day."
Baker noted the sacrifices public officials have asked of residents in the effort to slow the spread of the virus, and asked that residents also work to fight racism.
"We know you're strong. Now we ask you to choose to use your strength again," Baker said. "The injustices that black Americans experience every day and their devastating cumulative effect don't care about state boundaries. We all have an obligation to see and address these issues."
Baker noted that there are more scheduled protests in coming days. He encouraged protesters to "respect the virus" and wear face coverings, as many did Sunday.
Baker's full remarks are available here.
This article originally appeared on the Boston Patch
