Statement from Mayor John Ernst

Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick. Breonna Taylor in Louisville. George Floyd in Minneapolis. These senseless murders are stains on American's soul. The anger of the people of Brookhaven and of the world is legitimate. The anger is justified - we should be angry. I am angry, too. And, like you, I believe something should be done about it.

Brookhaven will do more than mourn the loss of black and brown lives to injustice. This City was founded upon the principals that we can and should live to a higher community standard, but as recent deaths prove, we as a society still have a long way to go.

The Brookhaven I know values inclusion, equity and social justice. Over the next several days, the City will demonstrate the steps we’ve taken to be inclusive, responsive, transparent and fair. It doesn’t start or end there. The legacies of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor may be the start of a conversation that is inspired in their names. Let us sincerely listen to our residents and our own hearts.  It is incumbent on all of us to ensure the fruits from this soul-searching mean their deaths were not in vain.