Shared Mayor's statement with resident.

Thank you for your message and for your strong advocacy for justice in our community. In response to several incidents recently reported in our community, Bloomington City Clerk Nicole Bolden and I issued the following joint statement on Monday July 6th: “On behalf of the City of Bloomington, we would like to express outrage and grief relating to two apparent racially motivated incidents reported in our community over the July 4 weekend. A group of individuals physically assaulted and denounced and threatened with racial epithets one Black resident of Bloomington on nearby Indiana state park land at Lake Monroe. And a sheriff’s deputy from a neighboring county questioned and detained another Black Monroe County resident walking down the street where they live in an apparent example of racial profiling. These separate incidents exemplify the persistence of racism and bias in our country and our own community. They deserve nothing less than our collective condemnation. They require that we come together as a whole, and recognize that racism damages all of us, not just our residents of color. We deserve better, and we must make it happen. Videos of the events remind us of the importance of witnesses and witnessing. Each of us must do our part to assure justice for those harmed in this weekend’s incidents, and do everything we can to forge inclusion and equity in Bloomington, and beyond.” Although I do not have jurisdiction over state park land or property located outside of city limits in Monroe County, as mayor of the City of Bloomington I will continue to work hard to bring justice, racial equality and full inclusion to our community. I condemn this horrific, discriminatory behavior in our midst and will work with our partners to pursue justice for these individuals. On Monday July 6th, after a peaceful protest for justice downtown, a car drove through protestors and injured two individuals before fleeing the scene. I am pleased to report that our Bloomington Police Department apprehended the driver within 48 hours and they have been charged with several crimes by our local prosecutor. Both of the injured have been treated and are recovering. Since learning of all these disturbing incidents, I have reached out to the affected individuals and their legal representatives, to the Monroe County Prosecutor, Governor Holcomb, law enforcement officials in Monroe and Lawrence Counties, and federal authorities, all toward assuring justice is done for these victims. The Monroe County prosecutor's office has the responsibility to take actions directly regarding Mr. Booker's case and the FBI is currently investigating the assault as a federal hate crime. Thank you again for your message. Working together we can and will create a more just and inclusive community. Sincerely, John Hamilton

Robin - I am sending your uReport to the Office of the Mayor. Thank you.