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Read LAPD Chief Michel Moore's Apology: 'Looting Is Wrong, But It Is Not The Equivalent Of Murder'
LAPD Chief Michel Moore. (Screenshot from Mayor of Los Angeles Facebook page)
Appearing at a news conference Monday night with L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, LAPD Chief Michel Moore made this statement:
"We didn't have protests last night. We had criminal acts. We didn't have people mourning the death of this man, George Floyd. We had people capitalizing. His death is on their hands, as much as it is those officers."
Then at 11 p.m. Monday, Moore issued this statement:
During a press conference earlier today, I misspoke when making a statement about those engaging in violent acts following the murder of Mr. George Floyd.
While I did immediately correct myself, I recognize that my initial words were terribly offensive. Looting is wrong, but it is not the equivalent of murder and I did not mean to equate the two. I deeply regret and humbly apologize for my characterization.
Let me be clear: the police officers involved were responsible for the death of Mr. George Floyd.
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Organizers of the protests are specifically upset about the level of funding for the LAPD, which has been exempted by Garcetti from deep budget cuts necessary due to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
MORE COVERAGE:
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- Protests In LA Day 6: Floyd's Memory 'Deserves A Better Los Angeles... A Better World'
- KPCC/LAist Reporters Tear-Gassed, Shot With Rubber Bullet
- Black Lives Matter-LA Leader Explains 'Very Deliberate' Choice To Demonstrate In Upscale Neighborhoods
- 'Righteous Anger.' LA Weighs In On Another Day Of Protests
- LA Councilman Mike Bonin: 'We Need To Pay Attention To The Violence Of Systemic Racism'
- These Recent Events Are A LOT — Tell Us Your Story Or Ask A Question
- How LA Is Reckoning With The George Floyd Protests
- Mis Ángeles: George Floyd Should Be Home With His Family Right Now
- George Floyd's Death Is One Of Many Reasons Activists Are Pushing For A 'People's Budget' In LA
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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