UPDATE JUNE 5: Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak, Attorney General Aaron Ford, and several other prominent African American elected officials spoke out Friday about the recent unrest seen in our country and in the Las Vegas valley.
Gov. Sisolak talked about the changes he intends to make, including working on legislation for the next legislative session. He said there needs to be a policy change, but didn't get into specifics, saying now is the time to listen and gather information.
Assemblywoman Daniele Monroe Moreno talked about the importance of not only protesting peacefully but continuing to use your voice by heading to the polls.
"Protest in peace," Monroe-Moreno said. "But don't be a part of those who come to loot and take advantage of our cause. Protest against the crimes that have been committed upon us, but do not in any way become the criminals. And then after we protest, join me and join us all at the voting booth."
Attorney General Aaron Ford says he has also created a panel series called Justice and Injustice to address some solutions moving forward. The next discussion is this weekend.
ORIGINAL STORY
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak released a video statement on Thursday night.
The governor said he wanted to address Nevadans about the current crisis happening due to events over the last couple of weeks that stem from generations of inequality.
He says the protests over the past few days were ignited by the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. But the anger and grief behind the protests grew out of a long history of such incidents.
George Floyd died because the officers who were arresting him did not listen to his cries that he could not breathe, the governor posted on his social media account. And because Floyd can no longer speak for himself, protesters were speaking for him.
Peaceful demonstration in Las Vegas for justice after George Floyd's death
The governor continued to say that he is asking all Nevadans to listen to their neighbors who are crying out.
Gov. Sisolak also said the statement that Black Lives Matter should not be controversial. It should not be subject to debate. It should not invite any connotation of the fact that Black Lives Matter diminishes the value of any other lives.
The statement that Black Lives Matter should not be controversial. It should not be subject to debate. It should not invite any connotation that the fact that Black Lives Matter diminishes the value of any other lives.
This declaration is true in the absolute. Period.
— Governor Sisolak (@GovSisolak) June 5, 2020
Additionally, he thanked those who are out on the streets, asking to be seen and heard and asked law enforcement officers to be patient, compassionate, and sympathetic.
The governor extended prayers to the injured Las Vegas officer Mikalonis and concluded Thursday's speech by saying to love one another and to continue to work together during the current times to come out stronger.
Las Vegas community members showing support for injured officer
