Island Chiefs Jointly Condemn Police Killing Of George Floyd

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA —The six police chiefs of Martha's Vineyard came together to issue a joint statement condemning the actions of Minneapolis police officers involved in the "senseless" killing of George Floyd.

The statement was issued ahead of weekend protests, which turned violent in cities across the country — including Boston—after the police killing of Floyd in Minneapolis last week, and amid the three-month coronavirus health emergency where first responders have been at an increased risk of contracting the deadly virus.

"We wanted to collectively express our shock and dismay at the senseless murder of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis," the statement said. "Like you, what we saw not only offended us, but also all the members of the island police departments who serve you. The actions and inactions of the on-scene Minneapolis officers violate the very tenets of our profession, and are entirely contrary to the ethical standards and training that we as police officers receive here in Massachusetts."

The letter was courtesy of Chief Bruce McNamee, MVCOPA President Edgartown Police Department; Chief Randhi Belain, Aquinnah Police Department; Chief Jonathan Klaren, Chilmark Police Department; Chief Erik Blake, Oak Bluffs Police Department; Chief Mark Saloio, Tisbury Police Department; and Chief Matthew Mincone, West Tisbury Police Department.

"As the leaders of your police departments, know that we stand with you as members of our island community and would never tolerate brutality or social injustice in any form," the statement said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Floyd family."

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