UPDATE: During the Salina Police Department media briefing this morning, we were told that Chief Brad Nelson's statement below was not in response to the planned peaceful protest scheduled for noon Saturday at the Salina Police Department. The statement was in response to rumors of other protests, some purported to be violent and some circulating through multiple counties in the area.
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The following is from a post on the Salina Police Department Facebook page Thursday night from Chief Brad Nelson.
I want to address recent rumors about future protest here in our city. I can assure you we have heard these rumors, primarily via social media, and we have prepared accordingly.
I just want all to please understand that in our U.S. population of 325 million, we ALL deserve due process once accused of a crime, including law enforcement officers.
Four Minneapolis police offices are facing criminal charges as a result of the death of George Floyd on the streets of Minneapolis on May 25th, 2020. I have previously spoke of my opinion regarding the death of Mr. Floyd and my opinion remains the same.
Each officer will face a jury of 12 citizens who will decide their fate but it will not happen as expeditiously as most prefer but, a verdict will occur.
Can we please as a nation and as Salina citizens just take a deep breath and let justice prevail?
Please keep it real Salina. We hear you!
Brad L. Nelson
Chief of Police