Carmel Mayor shares outrage over events in Minneapolis, asks for calm and emphasizes duty to protect all in the community

CARMEL, IN – Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard wants to do all he can to ensure that everyone is respected and protected in Carmel. He shares the outrage that is being felt across the country, but also reminds us that there is a duty to protect the health and safety of the all members of the community.

While protecting the rights of those wishing to voice their opinions,  Carmel will take every action available to protect the community from the threat of violence and property damage in the wake of riots and protests due to the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police officers. Mayor Brainard has been working closely with Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow as they closely monitor the situation and watch for indications of threats to the safety of Carmel residents.

“Communities across our nation are in turmoil, sparked by protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police officers in Minnesota. First, let me make it very clear that I am outraged by the actions of Minnesota Police officer Derek Chauvin and the three other officers involved. In addition to firing the officers involved and charging Chauvin with third-degree murder and manslaughter, the officers who stood by and took no action to save George Floyd should be charged with reckless homicide and the delay to do so is unacceptable,” said Mayor Brainard.

“Police officers take an oath to defend the Constitution and defend all citizens. The video that was made clearly shows these men violated that oath and have committed criminal acts and all those involved should be arrested and charged. The three officers should be treated as the criminals that they are,” Mayor Brainard added.

Carmel has retained outside legal counsel and is planning to take action against the City of Minneapolis for negligence for the expenses incurred protecting our community as a result of the actions by police in Minneapolis. He added that but for the negligence of the police department in that city, many communities, including Carmel, would not have incurred the costs of responding to the resulting riots and looting.

“I encourage other cities to join us in this lawsuit for recovery of our costs. Those in power need to understand the far-reaching consequences of their actions,” said Mayor Brainard.

“I understand the outrage felt across this nation and agree that we all need to work harder every day to fight the injustices that still exist. I am empathetic to those who want to publicly express themselves and we will take every step necessary to protect those who want to voice their opinions. What the majority of the protestors are marching for is right, but the violence that has occurred is not.

The mayor said that “Carmel has worked tirelessly over the last two decades to ensure that we are clear that regardless of where one is from or what race one is, they are welcome to live work and raise their families safely in Carmel.” The mayor also commented that close to twenty percent of Carmel is non-Caucasian.  In 2009, he appointed a Human Rights Commission as a vehicle to discuss issues of diversity in Carmel and recognizes that it is important to a city’s success that all are included in the life of the community.

The Carmel Police Department has conducted bias training and was one of the first to obtain body cameras.

“It is unfortunate that there are some who have taken advantage of the situation and escalated the peaceful civil protests into violent riots, where there is further loss of life, injuries and senseless destruction of public and private property. It is when these lawful and protected protests turn violent and unlawful that they will not be tolerated.

“Over the weekend, there were messages posted on social media that encouraged followers to protest in and destroy areas of Carmel. As a result of these threats, I quadrupled the number of officers assigned to patrol on Saturday in order to protect our community. While the evening passed peacefully for the most part, there were some windows that were broken out of the Kohl’s on Michigan Road in the early morning hours on Sunday. Our police department is gathering evidence in this crime.

“My priority is to keep our residents and those working in our community safe and protect the public and private property that many have worked so hard to create. Our police department is prepared and has taken all necessary precautions and appropriate steps to protect all of our citizens and their property. Everyone has a right to express their feelings and opinions and we will protect those who wish to do so. At the same time, we will not tolerate violence or unlawful destruction of any kind in our city.” Mayor Brainard said.

“I want to also add my voice to Mayor Brainard’s and emphasize my disappointment toward the officers in Minnesota that led to the death of George Floyd. Police departments are there to protect and serve all members of their communities. That means all its residents, business owners, employees, visitors and public and private property. We train our officers and re-emphasize the importance of respect for the community. We rededicate ourselves to protecting the safety of those who want to express themselves, but will not hesitate to stop any illegal activities in our community,” said Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow.