"Ever-prevalent gun violence has become the 'new' normal plaguing our City and the news headlines. And I am not going to absolve law enforcement for whatever role we have played in being complicit in the calculus of racial disparities," he wrote. "Given this sobering backdrop, one can understand why there is a sense of hopelessness and desperation with those who have not enjoyed (or even had the same access to) all of the opportunities that many of us take for granted. Systems improvements borne out of intentional, long-term, collaboration is our 'best' option for the future. Unrest like we have witnessed elsewhere in our country cannot possibly aid in constructive engagement and only holds us back."
Dozens of volunteer peacekeepers will take to the streets, said Ruben Anthony, president of the Urban League of Greater Madison.
On Sunday (May 10), Ozanne announced that he had made a decision in the case, but refused to tell the family the results of the investigation before Tuesday’s press conference.
This tragedy adds to the fueling debate over racism and excessive force used by police.
Earlier on Tuesday (May 12), Cuyahoga County sheriff Clifford Pinkney held a press conference in Cleveland on the death of Tamir Rice and asked for more time to finish the investigation.
Just over a week ago, Maryland state’s attorney Marilyn Mosby charged six Baltimore police officers in connection to the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.