‘I share your outrage and anger’: Montgomery mayor asks for nonviolence during protests

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) - Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed spoke Monday evening as protests against police brutality continue.

Over the last week, protests have erupted across the state and nation, sparked by the death of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Many protests, including ones in Birmingham, have turned violent.

Reed, speaking at E.D. Nixon School, said he appreciates people expressing their right to free speech. He spoke about the history of civil rights in Montgomery, saying the city speaks to the heart and soul of the nation.

“I want you to know that I share your outrage and anger over the killing of George Floyd,” Reed said.

Reed called for the protesters not to inflict damage on their communities and asked for them to address the wrongs without violence.

“There will be wrongs, there will be injustice,” he said. “You and I must make a decision on how we deal with those going forward.”

Reed asked anyone who can stay home over the next few nights to do so.

“Stay at home and ask, ‘What can I do to honor the life of George Floyd? What can I do to honor the life of Breonna Taylor? What can I do to honor the life of Ahmaud Arbery? What can each of us do more of to help build one another up and not tear one another down?’” he said.

Several people spoke to Reed after his speech, calling for the city to come together to address issues, including the lack of community policing.

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