Friend,

On Monday, the Richmond Police Department (RPD) used tear gas on a peaceful gathering around the Lee Monument. Protesters must be able to exercise their First Amendment rights peacefully and without the threat of violence in order to fulfill the promise of our democracy. We broke that promise, and I want to personally apologize again for that act of violence. But I know that apologies alone are not enough - I am committed to reform here and now in the City of Richmond.

The Richmond Commonwealth’s Attorney, Colette McEachin, is starting an independent investigation into the incident, and disciplinary action will be taken by the city against officers who violated RPD policy. I also want to reiterate RPD’s commitment to the existing policy banning the use of chokeholds.

I marched with Richmonders this week, and I heard from many young Black men and women that we must channel our city’s pain into reform. I want to thank the thousands of peaceful protesters who took to the streets of Richmond this week to stand up for what is right - I hear you, I appreciate you, and I am taking action.

One step is enacting a crisis alert, also known as the Marcus Alert. Named for Marcus David Peters, the alert would enable the RPD and Richmond Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) to work collaboratively on calls involving a mental or behavioral health crisis. I will also work with the community to establish a Citizen Review Board (CRB) and work within the city government to continue to ensure racial equity is a core component of policies and practices. And, with the help of the Governor and City Council, we will remove the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue. These changes won't heal the centuries of white supremacy and systemic racism that have plagued our city and our nation, but it's a start.

My role as a leader is to listen to the people of Richmond. I am committed to this work to dismantle racist systems and policies and build more just ones that provide the opportunity for all city residents to succeed and thrive.

Our city is filled with diversity and love for all – and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure our future demonstrates that. We have so much work to do to build a more equitable city, and I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow Richmonders to do just that.

Stay strong and stay safe,

Levar










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