Friends,

 

“Every breath that we take…that we have left should be devoted to making sure what happened to Mr. Floyd never happens again.” -Gov. Holcomb

 

This weekend, Indiana and the nation saw a time of turmoil. Following the heinous death of Mr. George Floyd in Minnesota, Hoosiers took to Indiana streets to make their voice heard, rightfully protesting to shine a light on injustice and inequity.

 

We stand with those who peacefully exercised their first amendment right, while we condemn unnecessary and tragic violence and destruction.

 

Mr. Floyd’s last words – “I can’t breathe” – should forever remind us that what happened to him must never happen again, and that we must hold those responsible to the fullest extent of the law. It’s a calling worthy of every breath we take.

 

But it’s also critical that the violence we saw this weekend never happens again.

That’s why the Indiana State Police and Indiana National Guard will continue to assist local communities with the resources they request to help them enforce the rule of law and protect the safety of all Hoosiers.

 

As Governor Holcomb said, “Violence in the streets makes progress harder…it sets us back from forming that more perfect union.”

 

No citizen has the right to threaten another Hoosiers’ safety.

 

In Indiana, we’ve made progress on supporting Hoosiers from diverse backgrounds, including passing Indiana’s first ever hate crimes law protecting 6.7 million Hoosiers, launching free training for in-demand jobs, and providing resources to address infant mortality in Indiana’s hardest hit areas.

 

But we’re not done yet. We must create a to-do list, with action steps including:

• Better healthcare access
• Affordable housing
• Educational opportunity
• Job training and placement
• Urban economic development
• Criminal justice reform

We cannot let the voice of the peacemakers be cast aside. Will you take the time to watch Gov. Holcomb’s five-minute remarks, and share them widely?

 

Together, we will make progress – we don’t have more time or lives to lose.

 

“Use your breath and your will in efforts to bridge, not divide.”-Gov. Holcomb

 

-Your Holcomb Crew