Buffalo is known as the “City of Good Neighbors.” Unfortunately last night it was not. What we saw last night in front of City Hall is not acceptable here. It is not acceptable anywhere.

We were all disturbed by what we saw: a 75 year old man being pushed back by two police officers, fall, suffer a serious head injury when his head snapped back and struck the sidewalk, and then watch as one officer bends down to assist the man, only to be pushed forward by another.

We were sickened as a community last night, just like we were sickened earlier this week when we saw the video of the vehicle drive through a line of police officers, striking three, and seriously injuring NYS Trooper Ronald Ensminger, Jr.

And we were sickened as a country when we saw the 9 minute video of the murder of George Floyd.

This is not who we are as a community. This can’t be who we are as a community and country.

That is why we must speak up against racial injustice and police brutality because we cannot deny that systemic racism or police brutality exists in our country, or for that matter our community.

One of the most basic tenets of our country is the right to peacefully protest, or, as it is described in the First Amendment to our Constitution, “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

Earlier yesterday I was in Niagara Square saying we must always protect the right to peacefully protest. We all have an obligation to protect the right of others to free speech, peacefully protest and grieve our government.

Police and other law enforcement have a duty to serve and protect the public. We need them to be the guardians of the public, not warriors engaged in battle with the public.

I know many police officers. I know they serve with honor. And I know they were angered and disturbed by what they saw. It is unacceptable.

That is why the officers must be held responsible for their actions.

As has been announced, the officers have been suspended pending an ongoing investigation by the Buffalo Police Department.

Additionally, District Attorney John Flynn announced his office is investigating the incident to determine if criminal action is warranted.

I know District Attorney Flynn will do the right thing. Unlike other prosecutors elsewhere, or for that matter our own county’s past, District Attorney Flynn has a proven history of pursuing prosecutions against law enforcement officers who break the law. I trust him to the same in this matter.

I believe all of these actions must be taken, and the proceedings play out, because we live in a society of governed by laws. A society where due process is guaranteed to all and people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

We can only address racial injustice and eliminate police brutality when we are united in our efforts and do so under the law.

That is why we must jointly defend the rights of all to peacefully protest and support the members of law enforcement that truly honor their pledge to serve and protect the public.

And we must work together to institute real reforms in police departments across our country, starting right here in Buffalo and Erie County.

So I ask those who will protest to do so peacefully so we can move our community forward. Let us go forward united in our efforts to create a more just and fair society to all.

That is how we form a more perfect union for all.

Finally, I want to offer on behalf of myself and the community my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the gentleman who was injured tonight, Mr. Martin Gugino.

I also want to offer on behalf of myself and the community my best wishes for a quick recovery as possible to Trooper Ronald Ensminger, Jr., who was most grievously injured when the vehicle ran over him on Monday night.

I have been informed he is progressing in his recovery, which is good news to hear.

Now, before I take questions on this incident, I would like to give a brief update on the Covid-19 Outbreak in Erie County.