Curran: Residents Should 'Be Skeptical' About Social Media Info

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Nassau County Executive Laura Curran thanked both demonstrators and police for keeping the protests over the death of George Floyd peaceful, but urged residents to not fall for disinformation.

According to Curran, there have already been 20 protests around the county of the death of Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer. Curran said there have been no arrests made and no intentional property damage at any of the protests.

"I know a lot of people are anxious right now," Curran said. "I think it's very important we get out the message of calm and reassurance."

Curran said she is most concerned about people editing posts on social media to create fear and misinformation that can lead to panic.

Misinformation about a protest was spread on social media earlier this leek and was cited by residents of Merrick for why they wanted to stop protesters from marching in their neighborhood on Tuesday.

"People who don't live in Nassau County. People who don't care about Nassau County, but are perfectly happy to sprinkle bits of chaos here and there and sit back and watch and see what happens," said Curran. "Don't let them play you. Be skeptical. Just because it's on social media doesn't mean it's true."