BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Mayor Marty Walsh urged protestors planning to demonstrate in Boston Friday night in honor of Breonna Taylor to "keep it safe, keep it peaceful, and keep it powerful."
At a press conference Friday morning, Mayor Walsh said Taylor's case has been painful and personal for many Americans.
"All across the country, people are reacting to the news of Breonna Taylor and those not indicted by the Grand Jury," Walsh said. "For many Black people and people of color throughout the United States, it brought lifetimes of painful experience to the surface. People are angry, hurting, and confused."
Earlier this week, one of the officers involved in Taylor's death, Brett Hankison, was indicted on three counts of first-degree wanton endangerment for firing shots into Taylor's apartment in March. The other two officers, Sgt. John Mattingly and Det. Myles Cosgrove, were not charged. None of the officers involved were charged directly for Taylor's death.
While most of the demonstrations for Taylor across the country have been peaceful, Walsh said there have been some isolated incidents of violence, including two police officers in Louisville who were shot during protests Wednesday.
"People are deeply upset. But we cannot turn to violence to express our pain," said Walsh. "To everyone planning to demonstrate in Boston tonight, your City respects your right to protest. I ask that you respect our city, and respect each other."
Demonstrations are planned for a third night in Boston, including at Roxbury's Nubian Square. Gov. Baker has also activated the National Guard ahead of the continued planned protests over the weekend.
Read More: Gov. Baker Activates National Guard Ahead Of Boston Protests
Mayor Walsh also cautioned demonstrators against amplifying information that could cause violence, and he urged attendees to follow COVID-19 health protocols while protesting.
"In terms of where you are getting your information, and do not amplify posts that incite violence," Walsh said. "Do your part to help keep the protests peaceful and keep the message clear. Remember that we’re still in the middle of a pandemic. Any time you’re outside your home, and especially when you’re around other people, you need to be wearing a mask."
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