HAMILTON — Hamilton Town Manager Joseph J. Domelowicz Jr., Police Chief Russell Stevens, Fire Chief Raymond A. Brunet, Wenham Town Administrator Anthony Ansaldi, Police Chief Thomas Perkins and Fire Chief Stephen B. Kavanagh report that a solidarity march took place today at the Hamilton Public Safety Building.
The event was organized by members of the Hamilton and Wenham communities. Approximately 500 people were in attendance, and the event was peaceful. It was held in remembrance of George Floyd, killed in Minneapolis while in police custody last week.
“The callousness and disregard shown for George Floyd is sickening and leaves everyone shocked and appalled. This and other senseless acts must stop,” Chief Stevens said to those in attendance prior to the march. “There is no room for racism anywhere, and police departments must sustain community trust and be held accountable if they do not. Police are guardians and entrusted to save lives, not to take them. We as a community and as a country need to rebuild and heal. However, we must not forget the tragedy that took place and today is a good time to start that process.”
As part of the event, a silent march took place around the Hamilton Public Safety Building and Winthrop Elementary School, lasting for eight minutes and 46 seconds. The time is equal to the duration of time Floyd was pinned by officers prior to his death.
“The community of Wenham is an open and inclusive place for all, and we applaud those who have the courage to stand up and speak out against racial injustices both locally and around the world,” Town Administrator Ansaldi said.
“Now is not the time to stay silent,” Town Manager Domelowicz said. “We all must do our part to speak out against injustice and set an example for the people of our communities.”
“Police take an oath to protect and serve all residents without prejudice or bias, and we support those who exercise their freedom to assemble and protest against officers who neglect or abuse that responsibility,” Chief Perkins said.
“We commend those who organized this protest in such a short time, and for everyone who marched peacefully and respectfully for what is right and just,” Chief Brunet said.
“We must all do our part to educate ourselves on these issues and come together as a society, and this protest was hopefully the start of that, not only in our communities, but on a national scale as well,” Chief Kavanagh said.
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