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THREAD: The resignation of RPD Police Chief William Smith is not enough. The absence of one officer cannot make up for the absence of accountability from the Mayor’s office. 1/9 https://www.nbc12.com/2020/06/16/mayor-stoney-announces-richmond-police-chief-resignation/
In yesterday’s statement, @LevarStoney refused to address the repeated use of rubber bullets and tear gas on protestors. Using a chemical irritant on Richmonders , especially during a respiratory pandemic, is unacceptable. 2/9
During his press conference, the Mayor made it seem that *now* is the time to make these changes, when in reality, they could’ve been done long ago. 3/9
Stoney is now inviting the Richmond community to the table, but the table was already set by community leaders and activists who have continuously asked the Mayor to join them in their efforts for police accountability. 4/9
The table was set in 2018 by the family of Marcus-David Peters and @JusticeforMDP when they asked for the creation of a #MarcusAlert -- a non-police crisis response for when a person is in a mental health crisis. 5/9 https://twitter.com/taotetek/status/1273047680751734784
The table was set when policy-based organizations ( @richmondvaTAP) asked for data from the Richmond Police Department to increase transparency and create a civilian oversight review board. 6/9
We deserve more from our leaders. Richmond needs a mayor who will actively support and listen to the community and enact change when it’s the right thing to do, not just when it’s an election year. 7/9
This includes prioritizing our most disenfranchised people and being intentional with the investments we make to build safer and healthier communities. 8/9
We shouldn't have to put our bodies on the line to be heard by our government's leaders. When I am elected mayor, I'll be present at the community's table and fight for all of us. 9/9
