Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope has weighed in on the recent death of a black man at the hand of a white police officer in Minnesota — an incident that has sparked various levels of protest and outrage over the last week.
The May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has prompted protests nationwide and a lot of violent activity in America’s larger cities, ranging from looting and vandalism to protesters shooting officers to law enforcement using riot gear, including rubber bullets, tear gas or pepper spray, on protesters and reporters. Cope says America is built on the right of free speech and peaceful protests, such as what Emporia has had this week, fit that mold.
Cope also says the Sheriff’s Office has a good relationship with Lyon County residents, saying employees are “a true representation” of the community.
Floyd died under the knee of former officer Derek Chauvin. Cope says all four officers involved should be out of law enforcement and the tactic that ultimately killed Floyd would not be used by Lyon County deputies.
Cope says he plans to walk with protesters if Friday’s march, planned from Emporia State University to Emporia Police headquarters, remains peaceful. If it doesn’t, deputies will take appropriate steps.
Both Cope and Emporia Interim Police Chief Owens will be featured guests on KVOE’s On-Air Chat on Wednesday.
