Congressman Fred Upton is responding this morning to a night of destruction and damaged businesses at the hands of “agitators” in the community of Kalamazoo last night.
Saying, “Outside agitators are a destructive force for much-needed constructive change,” Upton released a formal statement today. Here’s what he had to say:
“We know that Kalamazoo and the people of this extraordinary community have a proud, wonderful history of diversity in every respect, which I’ve always viewed as a strength. We should heed the advice of George Floyd’s brother to end the chaos and to respond to this latest case of police brutality in a constructive way. Accountability is the key ingredient for us all to be judged on our actions. We must respect and encourage peaceful protests.
My friend Rep. John Lewis recently said, ‘I know your pain, your rage, your sense of despair and hopelessness. Justice has, indeed, been denied for far too long. Rioting, looting, and burning is not the way. Organize. Demonstrate. Sit-in. Stand-up. Vote. Be constructive, not destructive.’
Outside agitators are a destructive force for much-needed constructive change. Violence and vandalism set us back, not forward.
I spoke this morning to a number of community leaders and law enforcement, and we will continue to maintain regular contact as we move forward.
All our hearts remain with George Floyd’s family as we continue to grieve.”
