I want to thank our brave men and women of the Providence Police Department, the Rhode Island State Police, the Massachusetts State Police, and the police departments of neighboring cities and towns that helped assist in last night’s violence that unfolded in our City.

During these difficult times, the grief and sadness that our men and women of color are feeling is justifiable, but what unfolded last night was not a representation of that grief. The violence that occurred was calculated and planned and was not part of any kind of peaceful protest.

The events of last night showed that our Police Department handled themselves with dignity and professionalism while they were facing extreme danger. I will be working with our Finance team to ensure that our public safety officers have the necessary equipment to protect themselves in future events that might occur.

I ask that everyone join together and admonish the violence that occurred, and focus our energies on creating a place for peaceful dialogue and creating meaningful change in our City.